Waterways Ireland has issued a warning for a large invasive rodent species.
The Coypu is a semi-aquatic rodent and has been sighted on the Royal Canal near Ashtown, Dublin.
They have webbed feet, large tails, bright orange teeth and can weigh up to 9kg.
Just look at these teeth:
Today I will mostly be freaked out at the thought of meeting a metre long otter with a rat's tail and orange teeth while walking along the canal. #invasivespecies #coypu @IrishTimes pic.twitter.com/s9iJ8NPuR3
— RowenaNeville (@RowenaNeville) March 22, 2019
Waterways Ireland released a full list of features to look for:
• Large semi-aquatic rodent up to 1 meter in head to tail length.
• Features same in juveniles.
• It can weigh 5-9kg.
• It has webbed hind feet.
• Dark fur often with lighter ends and has a white muzzle,
• Has long cylindrical tail (not fur tail like otter) and small slightly protruding ears.
• Distinctive features are large bright orange-yellow incisor (front) teeth usually visible.
• Coypu are generally found near permanent water.
If you come across one, Waterways Ireland want you to contact them here.
