Capybaras are the world’s largest living rodents, native to South America. They possess a barrel-shaped body, a short head, and reddish-brown fur that turns yellowish-brown underneath. They stand 50 to 62 centimeters (20 to 24 inches) tall at the shoulder and can weigh between 35 to 66 kilograms (77 to 146 pounds). With short legs, small ears, and nearly no tail, capybaras have partially webbed feet, which assist their semi-aquatic lifestyle. They predominantly inhabit areas near water bodies such as lakes, rivers, swamps, marshes, and flooded savannas across most South American countries, excluding Chile.
Capybara’s Social Nature
Capybaras are social animals, living in groups that can range from 10 to 20 individuals, though larger aggregations of up to 100 can be observed during dry seasons around concentrated water sources. These groups consist of adult males and females, along with their young. Capybaras engage in shared activities such as grazing on grasses and aquatic plants, swimming, and resting.
Their vocalizations include barks for alarm calls, whistles and chirps used by young for contact, and purrs for contentment during grooming. Clicks can signify reassurance, while squeals and grunts are common among young seeking attention. Capybaras exhibit a calm and docile temperament, which allows them to coexist peacefully with other species in the wild. They are frequently observed sharing space with birds, monkeys, and even caimans, with birds sometimes perching on them to feed on parasites.
Capybaras and Human Interaction
Capybaras are considered docile and non-aggressive towards humans. However, their interactions with people vary depending on their wild or habituated status. Wild capybaras display caution and wariness, often retreating into water or dense vegetation when approached.
Capybaras raised in captivity or frequently exposed to humans are more accustomed to human interaction and may even seek it out. This perceived friendliness stems from their curious nature, habituation to human presence, or being hand-raised from a young age. While they can form bonds and appear affectionate when socialized, it is important to remember they are still wild animals. Their responses can be unpredictable, especially if they feel threatened, stressed, or during breeding seasons when males may compete for dominance.
Responsible Engagement with Capybaras
Anyone encountering capybaras should prioritize responsible engagement by respecting their natural boundaries and understanding their communication signals. Approaching these animals slowly and calmly, while avoiding sudden movements or loud noises, helps prevent startling them. Observing capybaras from a distance is often the best way to appreciate their behavior without causing distress.
Despite their calm demeanor, capybaras possess large, continuously growing incisors that can inflict deep wounds if they feel threatened, provoked, or stressed.
Capybaras can carry and transmit zoonotic diseases. They are known hosts for ticks and can be reservoirs for Leptospirosis and Salmonella, in addition to various parasites. Therefore, direct, unsupervised interaction with wild capybaras is not advised. Their apparent friendliness should not be mistaken for a guarantee of safety, and their welfare should always be the foremost consideration.