#Capybara predators how to

Both species are members of the cavy family, Caviidae.Ĭapybaras are also known as ‘water cavies’. The capybara is closely related to the guinea pig. The scientific name for a capybara is Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris. Other well-known rodents include rats, hampsters, mice, and squirrels. The main characteristic shared by all rodents is a pair of sharp front teeth that grow continuously throughout the animal’s lifetime.Īround 40% of all mammals are rodents. Rodents are mammals in the order Rodentia (an order is a big group of animals). When they are fully grown capybaras weigh between 35 and 65 kilograms (77 and 143 lb) and stand up to 62 cm (2 ft.) tall, with a total body length of up to 1.34 m (4.5 ft.). How Big Are Capybaras?Ĭapybaras are the world’s largest rodents. Look familiar? Capybaras are in the same family as guinea pigs, and are the biggest rodents in the world.

The capybara’s fur helps to retain heat and dries quickly after it leaves the water. This helps them not only to swim but also to walk on the slippery rainforest floor. They can stay underwater for up to five minutes.Ĭapybaras also have slightly webbed feet with big claws. While diving, capybaras can press their ears flat against their heads to prevent water getting in. This allows it to see and breathe while the rest of its body is under water.Ĭapybaras have other adaptations for a semi-aquatic life. The capybara’s eyes, nose and mouth are located near the top of its head. Their long, thick hair is varying shades of golden or reddish-brown. What Does A Capybara Look Like?Ĭapybaras look a little like overgrown guinea pigs, which is no surprise: the animals are closely related.Ĭapybaras have big, barrel-shaped bodies with rather square heads. There is also a list of quick facts at the end of the article. You can watch the video below to see capybaras in the wild. (Part of our rainforest animals series.) Click to see more animals in the Active Wild Online Zoo Let’s learn some amazing capybara facts … They are semi-aquatic, and spend much of their time in or around water. Photo: Charles J Sharp / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 4.Capybaras are the world’s largest rodents. If you ever wondered what lies underneath the furry exterior of the cutest exotic animal on the Internet - yeah, suck it, baby bats - these amazing capybara facts will point you toward the answer. The following facts about capybaras might just change your opinion of this incredible creature. And when it comes to mating, let's just say the capybara isn't shy about its sexuality.

#Capybara predators how to

As animal parents, they help teach their young how to swim, and the whole group acts as their protectors. Spread across the continent of South America, capybaras form large communities and socialize freely with other animals. However, the capybara's cuteness is but only one reason why you should care about the water hog. Cute capybaras and their super chill demeanor litter countless Pinterest boards, showing off their swimming skills for the world to fawn over. What’s not to love about the capybara? The overgrown guinea pig may be the largest rodent in the world, but you should give more than a rat's a** about it.