Real Nutria Skull

The Nutria, also known as the marsh beaver, is smaller than the beaver but significantly larger than the muskrat. This water-bound rodent lives in family groups and prefers low-current flowing and standing water with rich aquatic vegetation. Due to its origins in subtropical and temperate regions of South America, the nutria cannot permanently inhabit areas with long periods of frost and high snow levels. The nutria has been naturalized in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Many of the populations living in the new settlement areas come from escaped farm animals.

The skull of the nutria is similar to that of the beaver, but is smaller and slightly wider. While the beaver has a more elongated skull, the nutria's skull appears more compact. Both animals have striking orange incisors that they use for gnawing. In the beaver, these teeth are larger and stronger because they work on harder materials such as wood, while the nutria prefers soft aquatic plants. The differences in skull shape reflect the different lifestyles of the two rodents.

Specifications:
museum quality
reference images
Average skull length: 10 cm
Origin: Europe