Giant rodent dubbed ‘The Beast from the East’ is ‘likely to be euthanised’… if caught

A GIANT rodent which has been spotted alive in Jersey for the first time is ‘likely to be euthanised’ if caught to protect the Island’s native biodiversity and wetland habitats.

The first picture of the elusive coypu – which is believed to have washed up on our shores from France – emerged at the weekend when the animal, dubbed the Beast from the East, was spotted in Trinity.

There have been unconfirmed reports of the animal in St Saviour and Rozel.

Isabelle Duggan, an invasive-species officer for the government, said: ‘Jersey is not where the coypu is meant to be. It’s a highly sociable animal, usually living in colonies. Our natural environment is largely unsuitable for this animal, and, given the social nature of coypu, it is likely to be highly stressed by not finding suitable habitat or others of its own kind.

‘Coypu live in freshwater habitats and cause extensive damage to these habitats through feeding and burrowing into the side of banks. We have a number of rich wetland habitats here in Jersey that are vulnerable to damage from this invasive species.

‘Therefore, it is likely to be euthanised in order to protect the Island’s native biodiversity.’

The government’s Natural Environment team have asked Islanders not to approach the animal, but to report sightings by calling 441674.

To report a sighting outside of office hours, Islanders should call 441617.