February 2nd 2025.
Attention all travelers heading to Prague in the near future, please be aware of the following warning. It has come to our attention that petting large rodents, approximately the size of Border Terriers, is not recommended by the Metro as one of the top activities to do in Prague. Despite this, there are still individuals who choose to do so.
As you explore the capital city of Czechia, you may come across nutria, a type of large semiaquatic rodent native to South America. These creatures have a striking resemblance to a mix between a rat and a capybara. Some tourists mistake them for beavers and attempt to give them a friendly pat, while others are convinced they are giant, disease-ridden rats and quickly flee.
You can easily spot these animals by their distinct orange front teeth and rat-like tails. They can often be found along the Vltava River, which divides the city into two. In fact, one tourist shared their encounter with a nutria on TikTok, where they can be seen offering their hand to pet the animal as it calmly rests its head and paw on their palm.
Interestingly enough, there is a beach along the waterfront that is so heavily populated with nutrias that it is actually labeled as "Nutria Beach" on Google Maps. One recent review praised the beach, mentioning the adorable swans and capybaras that made their experience in Prague even more special. Another tourist, who was traveling with their family, mistook the nutrias for otters and even recommended bringing vegetables to feed them.
However, it's important to note that these animals are not otters, as some people have mistakenly thought. While they may seem friendly and docile, nutrias can carry diseases and should not be approached or fed. In fact, Polish authorities have warned against getting too close to these creatures, as they often coexist with rats and can spread diseases through their bites.
Despite the potential dangers, nutrias have become a common sight in Europe, after being brought over in the 19th century for their fur and meat. They can grow up to nine kilograms and measure over half a meter in length, making them quite a formidable presence in wetlands and rivers.
Although they may seem harmless in their native South America, nutrias have caused some problems in Europe. Multiple attacks have been reported in recent years, leading to concerns about the dangerous interactions between different types of rodents. Václav Nejman, an expert from the Forests of the Capital City, has even pointed out the risky relationships between these animals, where mothers may unknowingly feed the nutrias while surrounded by rats.
So, please keep these warnings in mind during your visit to Prague. While it may be tempting to pet these unique creatures, it's important to remember that they are not meant to be treated as friendly pets. Let's all enjoy the beauty and quirks of this beautiful city, while also respecting the wildlife that call it home.
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