The Australian swamp rat, also known as the eastern swamp rat, is a species of rat native to the coasts of southern and eastern Australia.

What is a swamp rat?

Nutria, also known as coypu or swamp rats, are large rodents that live in areas with lots of freshwater. These mammals are native to South America and were introduced into the United States between 1899 and 1930 through the fur industry, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).

Why are swamp rats bad?

Why They Are Harmful

They are burrowers and cause water-retention and flood control levees to breach. They are also known to weaken structural foundations and erode banks, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. This threatens populations of rare and endangered animals.