Coypu

Coypu (Myocastor coypus) is in the Spiny Rats and Hutias family (Echimyidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 10,342 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in April.

Seasonal pattern in the national data: year-round resident. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.

When to photograph Coypu: observations by month (U.S.)

About Coypu

The coypu (from Spanish coipú, from Mapudungun koypu; Myocastor coypus), also known as the nutria, is a large, herbivorous, semiaquatic rodent. It has been classified for a long time as the only member of the family Myocastoridae. However, studies based on the comparison of DNA and protein sequences showed that Myocastor is nested within Echimyidae, the family of the spiny rats. Originally native to subtropical and temperate South America, it has since been introduced to North...From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.

Coypu by state

Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.

Photography tips

• Keep a legal and safe distance: 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from other large animals in national parks.
• Dawn and dusk are peak activity times for most mammals.
• Use your car as a blind on wildlife drives.

FAQ