Rodent Spotlight: Coypu

Here we have another interesting rodent to chat about. I don't hear too many people bring up the marvelous creature known as the coypu, but it is not entirely unheard of. Many people usually refer to them as a nutria, but my favorite term for them is the river rat. True, they are not actually rats, but they do have a similar appearance to them. They got that particular villainous look in their eyes that most people expect to see in a rat, so the name seems apt enough.

Coypus are aquatic rodents with some very fascinating physical attributes. For one, their rear feet are webbed like a duck. Secondly, they have a very odd patch of white across their muzzles. But what really makes them stand out the most to me are their four beautiful, giant, golden incisors resting inside their maws. Here is where fiction becomes important.

This striking aspect was one of the main descriptors used to familiarize readers with the rodent in the book "Windjammer Run" by Garry Kilworth. What is more notable than a rodent with a golden grill? Imagine seeing one of them smile at you--not to mention they are big and imposing creatures as rodents go.

I have always imagined the coypu as nature's river pirates. At this point, it is probably far better to call them river rats for obvious reasons. Can you imagine that you are just a humble mouse trying to move cargo down a river when--as if life wasn't bad enough--here comes a river boat full of scary river rats with golden teeth. You can fight them off if you like, but unfortunately, I put a mouse in charge and that probably was a mistake to begin with. Those golden-grilled thieves probably eat mice for breakfast! It would likely be best to just let them take what they want so he can get on with his life.

The coypu is not completely obscure, but it's just one of those rodents that didn't get its fair shake. If you take the time to look into the species, you'll see there is a lot to enjoy in their peculiar features. Imagination can creep up from anywhere in this world, all we have to do is have a look around and see what's out there. Fiction is built upon the things that inspire us, and since life often times imitates art, we creators play one of the most important parts in this world. Never let inspiration go to waste.

Thanks for reading my blog. If you enjoyed this blog, you can leave a comment below or you can email me at tooie@tooiekangaroo.com. Arr!