Fear, pity, hunger: The best reactions to our new furry friend the coypu

The metre-long rat-like coypu has been spreading beyond a small Cork river.

The public have been asked to report sightings of the mammal as it is on a list of major environmental concerns across the EU.

The reactions to our new furry friend have been absolutely gas, from sheer terror to wanting to keep the "big ol doggo rat" as a pet.

Others have suggested putting them on our menus.

Probably not the next big foodie trend but, then again, stranger things have happened.

Any sightings of coypu can be notified by calling or texting Danny O’Keeffe at 087 2472264 or email [e-mail]