During World War II, Japan imported 150 South American nutria for military fur; after mass escapes and releases, their descendants spread across at least 19 prefectures and dug through rice fields and reservoir banks

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During wartime, Japan imported nutria for their lucrative fur farming, which inadvertently gave rise to large invasive populations. Originally from South America, these semi-aquatic rodents escaped captivity and thrived in the wild. Their presence negatively impacts agriculture, particularly rice paddies and reservoir banks. As a result, Japanese law now prohibits the ownership and release of these animals.