This is a coypu (‘ragondin‘ in French). It’s a large, semi-aquatic, herbiverous rodent that looks similar to an otter and is about the same size. There are lots of them around here and it’s quite common to see a mother leading her brood across a country road from one ditch to another.

And therein lies the problem. The local farmers hate them because they damage not only the ditches, where they build their burrows, but also their crops. They’ll be shot on sight and even the local chasse, although really after bigger game – deer and wild boar – will take a pop at them.

However, this one seems to have taken up residence in an impenetrable thicket of brambles in our garden, from where it ventures out to stretch its legs and take the sun (when there is any). If it notices us it quickly jumps back into the brambles, but it’s not the most observant of creatures, which provides a photo opportunity.

Cellpic Sunday 9 February 2025