The Waitoreke is an otter-like cryptid that is said to inhabit the areas around lakes and rivers on the South Island of New Zealand. The creature is described as somewhat resembling a cross between an otter and beaver, and is reported as being about the size of a large cat. Witnesses state the creature is roughly around 10lbs and is thought to range anywhere from 1-2ft long from head to tail. The animal is said to be covered in brown fur, but has also been seen with white patches mixed in. 

Reports from those who have seen the Waitoreke state that the creature also possesses a thick tail that resembles that of a beaver. It is thought that this tail may help propel the cryptid through the water, as well as help stabilize the creature while pulling food from the water onto dry land. The tail is also described as being completely covered in fur, unlike a beaver tail which is hairless. The Waitoreke is said to have short legs in relation the body, webbed feet, and a face that somewhat resembles a cross between an otter and a cat. It is believed that the creature lives deep within burrows that are situated close to a natural water source, particularly one filled with a steady supply of food such as fish and eels.

Although no otters or creatures resembling otters currently call New Zealand home, sightings of the creature on the South Island have been reported for well over 200 years. It is believed by some that the Māori people (the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand) at one time actually used to keep the Waitoreke as pets prior to arrival of Europeans in the 17th century, although these beliefs/stories are unverified.

While there are few historically verified reports of the Waitoreke, the most notable sightings were made by Captain James Cook (British explorer, cartographer, and captain in the Royal Navy), Walter Mantell (19th century New Zealand scientist and politician), and Julius von Haast (19th century German geologist). The dates in which these sightings of the creature occurred range from the mid 1700's to the late 1800's.

As stated above, there are currently no known otter species living in New Zealand, so what the Waitoreke is and where it came from, are currently unknown. Because of this, researchers believe that the Waitoreke is simply a case of mistaken identity. Theories of what may be responsible for the misidentification include Stoats (short-tailed weasels), Polynesian rats, and Brushtail possums. 

- The Pine Barrens Institute

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