Gambian pouched rats are native to Africa but have been found in Florida's Grassy Key, where they have become an invasive species. The cat-sized rodents are thought to have been brought over as house pets. Although they are not typically agressive animals, they are a threat to local crops and wildlife and have been known to carry the monkeypox disease.

Have a look at five other giant rodent species found around the world.

Gambian Pouched Rat
The Gambian Pouched Rat is native to Africa, but have been introduced to North America and are becoming an invasive species in Florida. they can weigh up to 3.1 pounds (1.4 kilograms) and measure up to 3 feet (90 centimeters) from head to tail. WikiMedia Commons
Capybara
The capybara is the largest rodent on the planet, and can be found throughout South America. It can typically weight up to 150 pounds (68 kilograms) and measure up to 4.4 feet (134 centimeters) in length. WikiMedia Commons
CoypuNutria
Pictured is a coypu, or nutria, a rodent that can grow as large as the giant rat captured by Chinese villagers. WikiMedia Commons
Pacarana
The Pacarana is only found in the Amazon River basin and areas near the base of the Andes mountains. It can weigh up to 33 pounds (15 kilograms) and measure up to 31 inches (79 centimeters) from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail. WikiMedia Commons
Hoary Marmot
The hoary marmot is native to the mountain regions of northwestern North America. It can weigh up to 8.3 pounds (3.75 kilograms) and measure up to 32 inches (82 centimeters) in length, not including its tail. WikiMedia Commons
Josephoartigasia monesi
Josephoartigasia monesi is an extinct species of prehistoric rodent that lived in South America between 2 and 4 millions years ago. It weighed up to 2,200 pounds (1000 kilograms) and measured up to 10 feet (3 meters) in length. WikiMedia Commons