'The beast of the east': Giant rat-like creature spotted for the first time in Jersey

Generic photo of a coypu
The coypu had been spotted near Rozel, and nicknamed 'the beast of the east' by locals. Credit: Library photo / Government of Jersey

People in Jersey are being encouraged to report any sightings of a mysterious rodent that has been spotted this week near Rozel.

The giant rat-like creature is a coypu, which is an invasive species to Jersey.

The coypu was eradicated from the UK in the 1980s due to the damage the species caused to land and crops.

Islanders are advised not to approach the coypu, but to report sightings to 01534 441674 or 01534 441617 out-of-hours.