Capybaras are giant rodents native to South America. They are the largest living rodents in existence, growing to four feet and standing at 25 inches (63.5 cm) in height, with the largest weighing a hefty 150 pounds (68 kg). In other words, capybaras get to the size of a St. Bernard!
Capybaras, lovingly known as "rat-pigs" among enthusiasts, are indeed very friendly. Not only do they get along with humans, but they quickly make friends with other animals as well, from cats and turtles to monkeys and chickens. They have even been hailed the friendliest animals on Earth.
Capybaras could be the friendliest animals. They’re known to befriend various animals, even those usually considered a rival for resources or territory. They are often described as relaxed, calm, and compassionate, even adopting wild strays and abandoned young from other litters.
Capybaras are sofriendly that they have been known to live in large groups in the wild, ranging anywhere between ten to 100 capybaras. Each group usually consists of females and is led by one male.
Fun Trivia About Capybaras
They are active at twilight.Unlike their fellow rodents, who are primarily nocturnal, capybaras are crepuscular animals, mostly active at dawn and dusk. Their twilight activity is likely because capybaras have fewer predators to fear: almost all animals love them!
They can stay underwater for five minutes.That's pretty impressive for a giant rodent, but capybaras developed this ability (along with webbed feet) after living in swamps and marshes, resulting in their nickname "water hog." Because they are native to aquatic environments, their skin needs to be kept moist, and their diet must include aquatic plants.
They mate underwater.Perhaps this is the realreason their species evolved to hold its breath underwater! The capybara doesn't have a real mating season, as their mating is year-round. Only the "alpha" male is allowed to mate initially, though other males join in later to keep the gene pool from devolving.
They get sunburned.Because they have evolved for aquatic environments, capybaras have thin coats, making it easier for them to get sunburned. The capybara will coat itself in mud to prevent sunburn as a result.
They're picky eaters.Capybaras eat a very small amount of plants and grasses and are exclusively vegetarian on top of that. They can eat about eight pounds (3.6 kg) of grass a day, but only their favorite grass.
Baby capybara can't swim.Though baby capybaras spend their lives near water, they can't swim at all. Because of their vulnerability, they spend the earliest days of their lives hidden near the water and are mainly dependent on adult capybara to nurse and protect them.
They’re friends with crocodiles. The South American crocodile is the capybara's best friend, with them mostly seen together in the wild or swimming together in the water. One theory holds that crocodiles don't eat capybara because of their calm, relaxed energy. Most crocodiles are indifferent to what other creatures are doing, so long as it isn't threatening, and there isn't an animal less threatening than a capybara.
Sexual authority is "on their nose."Among capybaras, what makes an alpha male an alpha is the size of the scent glands on his nose. These scent glands are called morillos and are seen as a status symbol among the capybara. The alpha male's morillo size shows his fertility! He will rub his nose on the grass to attract more females for underwater mating.
Can You Keep Capybara as Pets in the United States?
You can legally keep a capybara as a pet in the US, but only in Pennsylvania and Texas. Capybaras are illegal to own just about everywhere else because they’re giant rodents, and rodents tend to destroy crops and spread disease. Many wild capybaras carry Rocky Mountain spotted fever and ticks.
If you happen to live in Pennsylvania or Texas, you could own a capybara legally, but it wouldn't be recommended. Capybaras require a lot of care, and you must have the means to care for two of them, as a lone capybara would fall into depression.
Capybaras also require a great deal of space to roam. They're semi-aquatic animals, so you would have to have a pond in your yard for them to swim.
Do Capybaras Make Good Pets?
Assuming you have plenty of space, a pond in your yard, and can meet the dietary needs of two capybaras, you're probably wondering whether or not these giant loveable rodents make good pets.
Capybaras make good pets as long as you have the resources and space to care for them. They enjoy cuddling with people and animals and are loving and affectionate creatures.
If you're serious about getting a pair of capybaras as pets, here are some things to consider:
Diet.Capybaras are vegetarians, meaning they eat only grass and a small selection of various plant life. Similar to cows, they also eat their feces to aid in digestion, as some plants are more difficult to digest than others. Aside from hay, you will also need to feed them guinea pig pellets and carrots for nutrients.
Health.Capybaras are prone to scurvy. Avoiding scurvy is another good reason to feed them guinea pig pellets, as the pellets are high in vitamin C. Pellets will also help keep the capybaras' teeth filed down to avoid facial disfigurement.
Housing.A pair of capybaras need 250 feet (76 m) of open space to roam. The area should also contain a small house to sleep in. Also, don't let their chubby bodies fool you: capybara can jump and climb! You will need to fence in the area, so they don't wander off.
Price.The typical Capybara costs $3000. That's how much you can expect to pay for just one adult capybara, and you are going to need two.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the capybara is indeed the most friendly animal in the world. If you can afford their diet and care, they make excellent pets and are a wonderful addition to any family (assuming you live in a state that allows them, of course.)
