Why is the musk rat a pest in Europe?

The muskrat is considered a pest in Europe primarily due to its invasive nature and significant ecological impacts. Originally from North America, it was introduced to Europe for fur farming but has since established wild populations that disrupt local ecosystems. Muskrats damage agricultural crops, particularly in wetlands, and their burrowing activities can undermine riverbanks and flood defenses. Additionally, they compete with native species for food and habitat, further threatening local biodiversity.