Capybaras are the largest living rodents. When they are full grown they are about three feet long and weigh as much as one hundred pounds. They look like very large guinea pigs and are indeed closely related to them. Capybaras live in Panama and South America. They are almost always found near streams or rivers. They eat aquatic plants as well as grasses.
They are gentle creatures and their only means of defence from their numerous enemies is to try to escape. Fortunately, they are excellent swimmers and can sometimes avoid a hungry jaguar or puma by taking to the water. However, once in the water they have to avoid caimans and anacondas. The Indians of the regions where the capybaras are found hunt them for food. In areas where they are hunted, the capybaras now come out to feed only at night. They are sociable animals and seem to live in family groups of ten or more. Capybaras make contented clicking sounds when they sun themselves along the banks of streams.
During the Ice Age capybaras lived in Florida. Fossil forms of capybaras have been found which are larger than ones living today. Only one species still exists. Capybaras seem to tame easily and are often seen in zoos.
Capybaras Pictures
