Favorite Images of Coypus

A list of my favorite images of coypus.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coypu

The coypu, also known as the nutria, is a large, herbivorous, semi-aquatic rodent.

It has been classified for a long time as the only member of the family Myocastoridae. However, studies based on the comparison of DNA and protein sequences showed that Myocastor is nested within Echimyidae, the family of the spiny rats.

Originally native to sub-tropical and temperate South America, it has since been introduced to North America, Europe, Asia and Africa, primarily by fur ranchers.

Although it is still valued for its fur in some regions, its destructive feeding and burrowing behaviour make this invasive species' endurance controversial to human occupants throughout most of its range.

Coypus live in burrows alongside stretches of water and feed on river plant stems.

The coypu somewhat resembles a very large rat or a beaver with a small tail. Adults are typically 4–9 kg (8.8–19.8 lb) in weight and 40–60 cm (16–24 in) in body length, with a 30- to 45-cm (12- to 18-in) tail.

It is possible for coypu to weigh up to 16 to 17 kg (35 to 37 lb), although adults usually average 4.5 to 7 kg (9.9 to 15.4 lb).

They have coarse, darkish brown outer fur with soft dense grey under fur, also called the nutria.

Three distinguishing features are a white patch on the muzzle, webbed hind feet and large, bright orange-yellow incisors. The nipples of female coypu are high on her flanks, to allow their young to feed while the female is in the water.

Coypus can live up to six years in captivity but individuals uncommonly live past three years old. According to one study, 80% of coypus die within the first year and less than 15% of a wild population is over three years old.