Chopclaw

The chopclaw split off from the azelak scavenger. When the stygimoulper moved out into the Russ River, some of the azelak scavengers followed them. Only a few could survive the frigid cold waters; those that did have evolved. The ways the chopclaw has adapted include a longer neck, so that it can stay in the water without having to get out of it for air. Another evolution is that it has evolved a soft underfur which is protected by their outer layer of long guard hairs. This helps keep them dry under water and traps a layer of air to keep them warm.

The reason why it is called the chopclaw is because it has two large claws, which are used to swipe at river scoopers and to grab tangle root plants. It also uses them when it swims in the water, where it uses its claws to feel the ground for food. Other evolutions include a large hump, which is used to store fat for the winter and it relies on fixed camouflage.

The chopclaw lives in a burrow right by the Russ River. When it lays its eggs, the mother guards them while the father looks for food. Once the eggs hatch, the female will look after them for a while, then when they are slightly older, the mother leaves to find food for itself. Later on in its life the mother and father teach the babies how to find and hunt for food. After the offspring are taught how to hunt, they leave their family forever and start a new one.