The public have been warned to watch out for a very “large invasive rodent” as big as a dog which has been seen along Dublin's Royal Canal.
Waterways Ireland has said their presence raises concerns about their further spread throughout Ireland’s rivers and canals.
The rodent species named coypu is a semi-aquatic creature with bright orange teeth, a long cylindrical tail, and webbed back feet.
The rodents can weigh up to 9kg and be a metre long, larger than the average family dog.
Sightings have been reported near the Ashtown area of the canal near to Castleknock.
The large river rats can also carry a number of serious diseases harmful to humans and animals.
It is regarded as a destructive invasive species and pest, posing a threat to agriculture, the stability of river banks and even coastal defences.
Waterways Ireland says coypu eradication programmes can cost up to several millions of euro and are not always successful.
They have warned people not to 'attempt to engage, trap or harm these animals.'
The “invasive alien species” originally comes from wetlands in South America.
They are believed to have arrived in Ireland in 2014 and were more recently seen in Cork.
A number were trapped by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in a tributary of the River Lee.
The appearance of a Copyu is similar to a very large rat and could even be mistaken for a bulky otter at first sight, Waterways Ireland said.
Coypu particularly like carrots and parsnips and are vegatarians.
Waterways Ireland appeals for the public keep a lookout along the waterways and especially along the Royal Canal at Ashtown.
They ask people to report sightings to Waterways Ireland and National Parks and Wildlife Service which will undertake “eradication measures”.
