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Ontario is picking a fight with an invasive, beaver-imposter. What you need to know about the nutria

Nutria is now one of two mammals on Ontario's invasive species list, joining the notorious wild pig.

3 min to read
Article was updated
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Ontario is has added a rodent called the nutria to its invasive species list though in recent years, none have even been sighted in Ontario.

They have fur like beavers, teeth like beavers and burrow in the same places as beavers — but they're much more dangerous. 

It's been decades since once was last spotted in Ontario, but still the province isn't taking any chances with the nutria, a mammal often confused with beavers and muskrats. It's one of the latest additions to the province's invasive species list.

Andy Takagi is a Toronto-based general assignment reporter for the Star. Reach him via email: atakagi@thestar.ca

Andy Takagi

Andy Takagi is a Toronto-based general assignment reporter for the Star. Reach him via email: atakagi@thestar.ca

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