coypu

Behind my house there is an artificial lake. I often see two of these creatures either in the water or on the bank. Apparently they are herbivorous burrowing rodents, also known as river rats or beaver rats. They are the size of cats.

I'm surprised that public health inspectors haven't scoured the area in order to rid the area of these creatures, which I would qualify as 'vermin' though it seems they are valued for their fur.

More info at http://www.lost-in-france.com/wildlife-in-france/195-coypu