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The coypu is a rodent native to South America, but has since spread to North America and parts of Europe. It is also one of several invasive species in Ireland seen as a threat to the local habitat.

It is also referred to as a coypu, coypu rat, nutria rat, or swamp beaver. While nutria may look cuddly from a distance, they usually weigh in at around 11-22 pounds (and are often more than 20 ...