What type of quarry is known to live near water and resembles a large rat?

The correct answer is nutria. Nutria, also known as coypu, are semi-aquatic rodents that are indeed known for their resemblance to large rats. They have long, thick bodies, webbed feet, and a distinctive long, rounded tail that further align with this comparison.

Nutria typically inhabit wetlands, marshes, and areas along rivers or lakes, making them closely associated with water environments. Their diet consists mainly of aquatic vegetation, which underscores their dependence on these habitats. This combination of physical characteristics and habitat preference clearly supports why nutria is the appropriate answer to the question regarding a quarry living near water and resembling a large rat.