Capybaras have short, rough hair that can be yellow, red, or brown. They have blunt snouts, short legs, small ears, and almost no tail.
Capybaras are semi-aquatic, which means they live near water. They are good swimmers and divers and can stay underwater for up to five minutes!
They’re highly social animals!
The gregarious Capybara prefers to live among large herds of around 10-20, and is frequently seen mixing with other animals. These instances are often displays of a symbiotic relationship, whereby an animal, such as a bird, can enjoy a free smorgasbord of insects, while the Capybara sits back and enjoys their free grooming session. Their incredibly social nature also helps protect them from predators and improve their chances of mating. They communicate using grunts, whistles, and barks.
Other animals use Capybaras like furniture!
Often referred to as “nature’s ottoman” or “moving chairs”, these friendly critters don’t ever seem to knock back a ride sharing request from another animal. A whole host of bird species, monkeys, rabbits, and even other Capybaras have been spotted seated, perched or laying on the back of a much-obliging Capybara.
An adult Capybara weighs as much as an adult human!
With an average weight of around 50 kilograms, these barrel-shaped mammals are certainly no field mice—weighing anywhere between 35 and 70 kilograms. Although female Capybaras are a little heavier than their male counterparts.
