I posed the question in FM NaNo Chat, and the creature is a Rotikkans.  Several people posed suggestions, and Scarlett finally suggested the term I liked best, but it’s an evolution of all the ideas suggested, so thanks to everyone who participated.  With the double-k, it appears to have a Dutch influence somewhere.  I envision it inhabiting the area surrounding Mississippi River, which means you’d find it all the way from the South of New Orleans to Minnesota.