Chill, social, and semi-aquatic. Discover why the Capybara is nature's most friendly creature.
Learn MoreThe Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is a masterpiece of evolution.
Their eyes, ears, and nostrils are located on the top of their heads so they can remain almost fully submerged while staying alert—just like hippos!
Capybaras are selective grazers. They eat grasses and aquatic plants, but they also practice autocoprophagy to extract maximum nutrition from their food.
They are highly social, living in groups of 10–20 individuals. During the dry season, groups can swell to 100 to protect themselves from predators.
Capybaras are native to South America and require specific environments to survive.
The Amazon basin provides the perfect humid environment and dense vegetation they need for hiding and foraging.
Wetlands like the Pantanal are capybara havens, offering endless water access for their dry skin and cooling needs.
They are never found far from water. Rivers serve as their primary escape route from predators like jaguars and anacondas.
A typical day is a mix of relaxation, swimming, and socializing.
They spend the early morning grazing on fresh grass. They can eat up to 8 pounds of grass in a single day!
As the sun gets hot, they retreat to the water. They are excellent swimmers and can stay underwater for up to five minutes.
Afternoons are for bonding. Capybaras often groom each other, which helps maintain social hierarchy and keeps them clean.
They are crepuscular (most active during dawn and dusk) but will stay awake at night if they feel threatened by predators.
There is more to these giants than just their "chill" attitude.
Just like guinea pigs, their teeth never stop growing. They wear them down by constantly grazing on tough aquatic plants.
Capybaras are so calm that other animals—birds, monkeys, and even rabbits—are often seen sitting on their backs.