Nutria records stay close to the Coastal Plain’s marshes, drainage ditches, and slow tidal creeks. Alligator River and the Great Dismal Swamp offer thick wetland plants and soft banks to this introduced South American rodent. North Carolina classifies the population as established rather than native.
May and June bring the strongest reporting, when warm-weather field activity also puts more observers near wetlands. Nutria feed on roots and stems, and heavy use can open holes in marsh vegetation. Reports through the rest of the year show continued detection, not a winter disappearance.
Full species profile
