Although not as conspicuous as birds, marsh mammals abound here too. At least 28 different kinds of mammals including deer, muskrats, mink, beavers, raccoons, coyotes, and many small rodents reside in the wetlands of the Creole Nature Trail. However, the most often seen marsh mammal is one that doesn't belong here - the Nutria. Nutria are large South American rodents that were introduced into Louisiana as a fur bearing animal. The fur industry in Louisiana is celebrated each January at the Louisiana Fur and Wildlife Festival, known as the oldest and coldest festival in the state of Louisiana!