Nutria burrow into banks of ponds and lakes, and these holes are usually larger and more destructive than muskrat burrows. General Nutria usually have a negative impact on other wildlife species. Because they are colonial in habitat, nutria often overharvest edible plants within their small range, resulting in the killing of the desirable plant species. Large populations of nutria definitely have a negative impact on the ability of the habitat to support both muskrats and waterfowl. Nutria are preyed upon by alligators, cottonmouth moccasins, hawks, owls and eagles.
Juveniles are usually most vulnerable to predation.
Parasites include flatworms, roundworms, fleas and lice. The seeds of beggarstick also plague nutria as the barbed seeds entangle in the fur and puncture the skin, resulting in infections. The roundworms infesting nutria can cause health problems for man. The roundworm larvae is present in the water where nutria are found, and this larvae can penetrate human skin. The sale of nutria furs is an important source of income for many trappers in regions where nutria are numerous.