How Do Nutrias Live? Water, Burrows, and Space in a Sanctuary
Nutrias are animals whose nature is inseparably connected to water. Although they are often perceived solely as terrestrial rodents, they are in fact semi-aquatic animals, perfectly adapted to life near rivers, ponds, and other bodies of water.
Their everyday life unfolds at the intersection of two worlds: land and water. This dual identity is crucial when designing spaces where nutrias can live safely and in a way that respects their biology.
Nutrias captured in the Rybnik area are brought to Nutriowisko – a sanctuary for animals operating under a permit issued by the General Directorate for Environmental Protection.
It is a place where conditions are created to resemble their natural environment as closely as possible, while also meeting safety standards and legal requirements. Every element of the infrastructure – from water and shelters to bridges and branches – is based on observations of the species’ natural behavior.
Nutriowisko, run by the Łapa i Las Foundation, continues to develop thanks in part to cooperation with the Mushika Foundation and the City of Rybnik.
Water – the Nutria’s Natural Environment
Nutrias are excellent swimmers. They have webbed hind feet, can dive efficiently, and can remain underwater for several minutes. Water is not merely an addition to their habitat – it is an integral part of it.
In the wild, nutrias inhabit the banks of rivers, lakes, and canals. They dig burrows into embankments, creating tunnel systems with multiple entrances and exits. The main entrance is often located right next to the waterline. Their daily routine revolves around moving between their burrow and the water.
Their feeding habits are also closely tied to water. In natural conditions, their primary food source consists of shoreline vegetation such as young shoots, grasses, reeds, and cattails. They forage near water and often head directly into the water after eating.
Importantly, water also serves a physiological function for nutrias. After eating, they often defecate in water. Due to their anatomy and digestive system, this process is easier and more natural for them in an aquatic environment. Animals kept without access to water may develop digestive and intestinal problems.
For this reason, access to water is a standard feature at Nutriowisko for all animals without medical contraindications. Restrictions apply only to individuals recovering from surgery, with open wounds, or with health conditions requiring temporary exclusion from bathing.
Artificial River Channel – an Imitation of Nature
To recreate natural living conditions as faithfully as possible, the sanctuary has built an artificial river channel. It runs through multiple enclosures, creating a continuous waterway that allows the animals not only to immerse themselves but also to swim across longer sections.
The channel is reinforced and properly secured. Barriers between sections allow different groups of animals to use the water simultaneously. The water is filtered and maintained to ensure hygienic conditions.
These aquatic areas are not shallow pools intended only for symbolic soaking. They are designed to enable movement, swimming, full-body immersion, and the expression of natural aquatic behaviors. This is a key element of the infrastructure – a response to the biological needs of the species.
Burrows in Nature, Shelters in the Sanctuary
In their natural habitat, nutrias build extensive burrow systems in embankments. These are networks of tunnels with multiple entrances that allow movement along different routes and provide a sense of security.
In a sanctuary environment, free digging is not possible. The ground must also be secured underneath to prevent the animals from escaping beyond the designated area. For this reason, enclosure floors are lined with concrete slabs.
To improve comfort, the concrete is covered with a thick layer of wood chips, creating a softer and more natural surface. Larger enclosures also include special “sandboxes” – excavated areas filled with soil and structurally secured against digging through. This is where the animals can express their natural digging behaviour.
In the sanctuary, wooden shelters serve as substitutes for burrows – single- and multi-level structures designed based on behavioral observations of the animals.
Height, Two Entrances, and a Sense of Safety
Nutrias like to observe their surroundings from elevated positions. That is why ground-level shelters have flat roofs that function as terraces, while multi-level shelters are equipped with safe ramps allowing free movement.
Initially, some shelters were built with only one entrance to improve thermal insulation. It quickly became clear, however, that the nutrias consistently gnawed out a second exit. This is a natural instinct – in burrow systems there is always an alternative escape route.
Today, shelters are designed with two entrances. This solution significantly increases the animals’ sense of security.
Social Relationships – Community and Territoriality
Nutrias are social animals, but they also display strong territorial behaviours. This combination is extremely important when designing their living spaces.
Every enclosure, even the smallest one, contains several shelters. This deliberate solution allows individual animals to settle into the space according to their own needs. The possibility of choosing a resting place helps avoid conflicts and reduces tension.
Observations also show that during particularly cold days, territorial boundaries become much less important. The need for warmth takes priority. Nutrias gather together in a single shelter, press closely against one another, and warm each other with body heat.
That is why shelters vary in size – some provide isolation, while others accommodate larger groups. This flexibility gives the animals choice, and choice is one of the foundations of animal welfare.
The Instinct to Shape Their Own Space
Nutrias do not treat shelters as finished structures. They treat them as a base for further arrangement.
They carry branches, hay, straw, and sticks inside. They create layers of bedding, rearrange interiors, and build their own “nests.” Piles of hay and small branches regularly appear in the enclosures, only to be quickly dismantled and transported to chosen locations.
The ability to organize their own space strengthens their sense of security. Material saturated with the animal’s scent makes a place feel more familiar and “their own.”
The shelters are regularly cleaned and replenished with fresh materials, while still allowing the animals freedom to decide on the final arrangement of the interior.
Tunnels, Bridges, and Natural Elements
The enclosures contain pipes that imitate tunnels. Nutrias use them eagerly, often resting inside together in groups. Wooden platforms and bridges are built over the water – they serve both as pathways and hiding places.
Tree trunks and thick branches enrich the environment and also provide natural material for wearing down their continuously growing teeth. During winter, fir trees and conifer branches are placed in the enclosures, while fresh deciduous branches are added in summer – serving both nutritional and structural purposes.
In the section dedicated to animals requiring treatment, smaller covered structures are used. Hammocks are also especially popular – soft suspended constructions where nutrias rest and gently sway. The shaded area beneath them resembles the interior of a burrow.
Nutriowisko is currently working on roofing part of the sanctuary. Nutrias are sensitive to frostbite, particularly on their feet and tails. Snow and prolonged moisture at low temperatures may lead to serious injuries.
The roofing will protect the animals from extreme weather conditions, facilitate daily care, and extend the lifespan of the infrastructure.
Proper Space Builds Nutria Welfare
Creating living spaces for nutrias is a process based on biology, observation, and experience. Nutrias are neither exclusively terrestrial nor exclusively aquatic – they require both worlds at the same time.
Animal welfare is not about the minimum needed for survival. It means enabling natural behaviors – swimming, digging, building, choosing resting places, and regulating social relationships within the group.
For nutrias, everything begins with water and with a space that allows them to simply be themselves.
At Nutriowisko, the Łapa i Las Foundation strives to provide the best possible welfare for these animals, while cooperation with the Mushika Foundation and the City of Rybnik supports the sanctuary’s ongoing development. Thanks to this collaboration, it is possible not only to provide an environment that closely resembles the animals’ natural habitat, but also to create opportunities for observation and a better understanding of nutria behaviour.
