Five Giant Rodents from Around the World

Property owners cringe at the thought of a rodent infestation on their property. Rodents carry diseases, cause property damage and are simply frightening to come across. We often think of rodents as miniature creatures, but some can reach epic proportions. You definitely wouldn’t want these rodents in your home or business!

Take a look at our list of some of the giant rodents found around the world.

 

 

 

 

Nutria

Nutria or also called coypu, are large rodents found near bodies of water, like wetlands, riverbanks or lakeshores. Their body can measure in at lengths between 17-25 inches and their tail can be anywhere from 10-16 inches long. Compared to other rodents, their size is relevant to a 6-foot man! Nutrias can be found in southern South America but have been domesticated and can be found around the world.

 

 

 

 

 

Capybara

The capybara is the largest rodent in the world, which can measure in anywhere between 3 – 4 feet, weighing as much as 170 pounds! The capybara can be found in Central and South America near standing water, similar to nutrias. The capybara is most closely related to guinea pigs.

 

 

 

 

 

American Beaver

This famous rodent can be found in, you guessed it, America! They can also be found in the forest of Europe and Asia, as well. Beavers can be found near water sources, which provides them with shelter and food. They’re known for building intricate dams to block streams or create large ponds in forests or fields.

 

 

 

 

 

Gambian Pouched Rat

The Gambian pouched rat can be found throughout Africa, but are kept as pets in the United States. It’s called a pouched rat because it uses its cheeks as storage. Gambian pouched rats weigh between 2-3 pounds and can measure anywhere between 25-30 inches.

If trained, the Gambian pouched rat can be incredibly beneficial towards humans. The rat is highly tolerated by humans due to their ability to identify land mines and tuberculosis.

 

 

 

 

 

Cape Porcupine

Common throughout central and southern Africa, the cape porcupine weighs in between 20-65 pounds and can be 1 ½ – 3 feet in length. Cape porcupines are the largest porcupines in the world.

Their major defense mechanism against predators like lions and hyenas are their long, sharp quills. Porcupines can’t shoot their quills but when they charge towards the predator, it is sure to cause enough damage.

Professional Rodent Control

If you’re experiencing a rodent problem, Ehrlich offers professional rodent removal services. For more information on our home and commercial pest control services, call 888-986-2074 or contact us online.