The coypu, also known as the nutria, is an 11 to 20 pound rodent that originated along rivers in South America. In Argentina, its hide is used for making belts, slippers and similar items for tourists (I purchased both). However, attempts to export and commercialize them for food and clothing in other places in the world have been largely unsuccessful. And in Argentina they are considered a pest because of their destructive eating habits. This river rat was emerging from a creek at the Buenos Aires Zoo in Argentina.