Hunters target invasive coypu threatening Rømø’s dikes

Wildlife-control hunters are searching for an invasive coypu on Rømø, a Wadden Sea island, after several sightings. The large rodent could damage the island’s protective dikes, DR reports.

The coypu digs tunnels and burrows in banks, ditches and dikes. Torben Wollesen, who coordinates wildlife-control hunters for Wadden Sea National Park, said the animal was an unwelcome invasive species and a serious problem for the area.

Rømø’s dikes, particularly on the western side, protect residents from storms and flooding. Mikael Bondesen, a dike representative for the Havneby and Kirkeby dike association, said the coypu could undermine the structures and cause them to collapse.

The species originates in South America and was brought to Europe for fur farming. It is now established south of the Danish border. Seven coypus were recorded in Denmark this year, up from two last year, according to the Danish Agency for Green Transition and Aquatic Environment.

The coypu being pursued on Rømø was first spotted in early September, but hunters have not yet managed to shoot it. They are searching the areas where they expect it to be active, Wollesen said.