Marmot vs. Nutria — What's the Difference?

Found in mountainous regions, they create extensive burrow systems.

Originally from South America, nutrias are considered invasive in other regions.

Marmots have a social structure, often living in communities.

They have a dense, brown coat and orange teeth.

Their diet consists mainly of greens and grains.

Nutrias have a varied diet, including aquatic plants and roots.

Marmots are known for their loud whistles to communicate danger.

Nutrias are semi-aquatic rodents with webbed feet for swimming.

Marmots are large ground squirrels known for their hibernation.

Solitary or in small family groups, nutrias are less social than marmots.

Marmots are relatively large ground squirrels in the genus Marmota, with 15 species living in Asia, Europe, and North America. These herbivores are active during the summer when often found in groups, but are not seen during the winter when they hibernate underground.

The skin or fur of the coypu.

Any of various stocky, coarse-furred, burrowing rodents of the genus Marmota, having short legs and ears and short bushy tails and found throughout the Northern Hemisphere.

A large semiaquatic rodent (Myocastor coypus) native to South America, having webbed feet and a long tail. It is widely raised for fur and has formed wild populations especially in the southern United States.

Any of several large ground-dwelling rodents of the genera Marmota and Cynomys in the squirrel family.

The light brown fur of the nutria. In both senses also called coypu.

Any rodent of the genus Marmota (formerly Arctomys) of the subfamily Sciurinae. The common European marmot (Marmota marmotta) is about the size of a rabbit, and inhabits the higher regions of the Alps and Pyrenees. The bobac is another European species. The common American species (Marmota monax) is the woodchuck (also called groundhog), but the name marmot is usually used only for the western variety.

The coypu, Myocastor coypus.

Any one of several species of ground squirrels or gophers of the genus Spermophilus; also, the prairie dog.

The fur of the coypu.

Stocky coarse-furred burrowing rodent with a short bushy tail found throughout the northern hemisphere; hibernates in winter

The fur of the coypu. See Coypu.

Aquatic South American rodent resembling a small beaver; bred for its fur

Marmots are large ground squirrels that live in mountainous areas and are known for their hibernation habits.

Marmots inhabit alpine and arctic regions, whereas nutrias live in wetlands, marshes, and riversides.

Nutrias are native to South America but have been introduced to other parts of the world where they are often considered invasive.

Yes, in many areas outside their native range, nutrias are considered pests due to their diet and the environmental damage they can cause.

Marmots are herbivores, primarily consuming grasses, berries, and plants.

Marmots use loud whistles to communicate with each other, especially to signal danger.

In their natural habitats, marmots are not considered invasive and are adapted to their local ecosystems.

Marmots typically have less impact on their ecosystems, while nutrias can cause significant environmental damage in areas where they are invasive.

Nutrias have distinctive orange teeth, which are adapted for gnawing vegetation.

No, nutrias do not hibernate and remain active throughout the year.

Nutrias have webbed feet and waterproof fur, which aid in their swimming and living in wetlands.

The marmot's burrow serves as a home, a place for hibernation, and a protective measure against predators.

Marmots hibernate during the winter months to survive the cold.

While not typically known for swimming, marmots can swim if necessary, but they are primarily terrestrial animals.

Nutrias are either solitary or live in small family groups, unlike the more communal marmots.