The mouth also has glands located near the corners which produce oils that the nutria uses to comb and waterproof its fur. Nutria average 16 to 18 pounds in weight. Occasional individuals may weigh 25 pounds or more. Also unique is the location of the mammary glands on the females. The teats are locate high on the sides of the nutria, which allows young nutria to nurse as the mother swims in the water.
Front feet have five toes, including a small toe corresponding to our thumb.
Hind feet are much larger, and unique in that all toes are connected by a skin web except for the toe corresponding to our little toe. Reproduction Nutria are apt to breed in any month of the year in North America. One male usually has 2 or 3 mates which share the same burrow. Many females breed within two days after giving birth to a litter. Litter sizes vary according to a cycle.