Name:	Little Kowaliga Mimi -	Reply
Subject:	Nutria, muskrat or lake otter?
Date:	4/28/2020 6:08:03 PM

We have a small critter that leaves mussel shells, snail shells and acorn shells on the steps of our dock. I saw him this afternoon up close and have no idea what he is.  He was small with a long thin tail. After a quick google, I think it might be a nutria. From what I read that’s not good. Any ideas on what it might be and what to do about it?  If it’s an otter I would welcome it but I’m not sure about the other two. 

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	Nutria, muskrat or lake otter?
Date:	4/28/2020 8:19:05 PM

Sounds more like Nutria or Muskrat even with the flat tail.  Otters have a flat tail more like a Beaver.  Try to get a pic and then get it identified.  Im not sure but nutria may be considered an invassive species and if so you could get help "moving thenm to the same farm that dogs/pets retire too".  From the one minute read I just had they can be dispatched at will if it is in fact Nutria.

Name:	randyman -	Reply
Subject:	Sounds like a otter.....
Date:	4/28/2020 9:52:01 PM

I've had one near my pier doing exactly what you are experiencing. Only saw him one day but clearly was an otter.

Name:	Little Talisi -	Reply
Subject:	Muskrat maybe
Date:	4/29/2020 6:47:56 AM

Same type of behavior in our slough and our dock. Have gotten good looks at it several times and it appears to be a muskrat.

Name:	RodBillett -	Reply
Subject:	Otter or Muskrat - Probably not a Nutria
Date:	4/29/2020 7:39:04 AM (updated 4/29/2020 7:39:50 AM)

Most likely it was either a Otter or a Muskrat.

Muskrats and Nutria feed on grasses and other vegitation.  Otters feed on clams and fish - and they like to leave shells on pier steps.

Nutrias get upwards of 20-25 pounds when full grown, Muskrats are quite small.  Otters are in between in size.

If it had a thin tail that "emerges" came from an ovalish body, then Id say Muskrat.  You can distinctly tell where the tail begins.  Ifif it was a large creature a Nutria as they are similar to Muskrats).   Whereas if it was a thick tail (Like a Labrador retrievers) that blends into a slender streamlined body it was an otter.  

Search Muskrat vs Otter in google and view the images tab...  There will be some good pictures there.

Name:	Little Kowaliga Mimi -	Reply
Subject:	Otter or Muskrat - Probably not a Nutria
Date:	4/29/2020 8:20:07 AM

Thanks to all for the responses concerning this dilemma. My brief encounter with the creature only confirmed that it was small with a long thin tail. I did look at pictures on line but couldn’t decide for sure what iit was. I think my best bet would be to put a trail camera on the dock and catch him in action. We did that once before and caught what we thought was a large muskrat eating my potato vines in the planters. Based on what y’all have suggested, I’m beginning to think it’s a young muskrat.  Thanks again. 

Name:	Friday Pint -	Reply
Subject:	Nutria, muskrat or lake otter?
Date:	4/29/2020 10:32:02 AM

I've seen them this year for the first time in 11 years on the lake.  Perhaps they have been there all along, but it concerns me because they all like to chew on boat parts.  They do not require a license to hunt or trap so that's my plan.

Name:	Little Kowaliga Mimi -	Reply
Subject:	Nutria, muskrat or lake otter?
Date:	4/29/2020 12:23:29 PM

Mystery solved. I took a video after the rain this morning. Looks like a young muskrat. 

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