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Nutria or Coypu (baby)
Myocastor coypus
30.2033, -91.8997
Field Notes
Description:
The coypu somewhat resembles a very large rat, or a beaver with a small tail. Adults are typically 5–9 kg (11–20 lb) in weight, and 40–60 cm (16–24 in) in body length, with a 30–45 cm (12–18 in) tail. They have a coarse, darkish brown outer fur with a 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.
Habitat:
Lake Martin Bird Sanctuary is located in southwest Louisiana near Breaux Bridge.
Notes:
This is one of 2 babies in a nest on a plank in the shallow water. Coypus live in burrows alongside stretches of water. They feed on river plants, and waste close to 90% of the plant material while feeding on the stems. A local guide stated that there had been a robust eradication effort in this pond a few years ago.
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