Another animal found here, that originated in South America, is the Coypu (or in French, ragondin), also known as a beaver rat and they live near rivers. This is also an animal that lives on our property since we have a river that runs through it. They are very shy and run away from people. It is a semi-aquatic rodent, a herbivore, and resembles a very large rat or a beaver with a small tail. It has a beaver face with the slanted teeth!!!! The teeth are bright orange!! Kinda creepy!!! They were brought here by fur ranchers and are now an invasive species that can be hunted.
The animal that also lives in France is the wild boar. They can attack people, and can run very fast. They are more likely to try to attack when they have babies and want to protect them. They are very big and have razor-sharp teeth and some have tusks also. They are omnivorous, meaning they eat pretty much anything, but survive here mostly on fruits, berries, grubs, and nuts. They ruin fields and crops in the process of finding food and the French government actually pays farmers for some of the damage they do to their land. Boars are hunted for their meat and 10's of thousands are killed each year in France. It is hunting season here right now.
They are mainly nocturnal and Roelf says they can be seen here sometimes at sunrise or twilight. I haven't seen any of these animals yet, but I hope to see them while I'm here, but from a safe distance, of course!!!!!
Good job Jess! Weird lookin fellas running round there!! Glad you are having a great time...Dad
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