For anyone who has seen the cult-classic movie The Princess Bride, capybaras might bring to mind “Rodents of Unusual Size,” the giant, fanged rat creatures inhabiting the film’s Fire Swamp. While adult capybaras aren’t nearly as big or ferocious as the R.O.U.S., they’re certainly an arresting sight, at least for those of us used to smaller rodents like rats, mice, and guinea pigs. But unlike the R.O.U.S., capybaras aren’t a fantasy animal. They’re genuine and make their home in certain parts of the United States and Central and South America regions. Capybaras have recently been spotted in Florida, which has caused some scientists to wonder what impact they will have.
Will Capybaras Become Orlando’s Next Pest?
While not indigenous to the United States, capybaras are sometimes kept as pets in the U.S. Some of them have been sighted in Florida rivers and swamps. Florida’s capybara population is thought to have originated from capybaras that escaped from a private residence.
Scientists claim that around 50 capybaras are currently living in northern Florida. Since the species is not native to the United States, research is being done to determine the impact of capybaras on Florida’s flora and fauna. Some fear that capybaras will do similar damage as nutria has done in other parts of the country. This non-native rodent was introduced to Louisiana in the early 1900s for its fur and became invasive when the animals escaped from farms and took up residence in the state’s swamps. Attempts to control the nutria population have largely failed, and the large rodents have done damage by digging into riverbanks and levees.
So far, it appears that capybaras have not had a significant impact on Florida’s ecosystems. It’s unclear how quickly the population could grow since capybaras have none of the same predators as in South America. Plants and grasslands could be put in danger when there is a more significant number of capybaras in Florida.
Let’s learn more about the world’s largest rodent, whether you should have one as a pet, and what to do if you see one in the wild.
Capybara Facts
Capybaras are called “water pigs” in South America, and the scientific name for the species is derived from the Greek term for “water hog.” And though neither of these is the most flattering moniker, the description certainly fits. This large rodent—the giant rodent in the world—is closely related to the much smaller guinea pig and looks like a cross between a pig and a hamster. Adult capybaras tend to grow to about three to four feet long and typically weigh between 60 and 175 pounds, although some capybaras tip the scales at 200 pounds. That’s as big as a large dog! Female capybaras tend to be larger and heavier than their male counterparts.
If you are curious about the capybara life cycle, you might be interested in learning that the world’s largest rodent tends to live eight to 10 years in the wild and longer in protected zoo captivity. The breeding season is typically in April or May, and capybaras can birth anywhere between one and eight pups. Newborn capybaras are born fully developed and usually weigh a few pounds. Baby capybaras only take a few hours to walk, and they are running and swimming just a few days after birth.
Capybaras Love the Aquatic Life—and the Social Life
Due to their dry skin, capybaras live on land but spend lots of time in the water. Thus, they make their homes near rivers, streams, ponds, or swamps. While they’re fast runners on land, their webbed feet also make them fast swimmers, and their ability to hold their breath for minutes at a time enables them to spend plenty of time underwater. Capybaras can even nap in mud or water, with only their noses exposed to the air to breathe.
Capybaras are also highly social animals. They typically live in groups of 10 or more during the wet season, while some groups of capybaras can swell to as many as 100 members during the dry season. What is a group of capybaras called? These giant rodents live in herds. They are most active at dusk and early morning and sometimes adopt an entirely nocturnal lifestyle (sleeping during the day and being active only at night).
These vocal animals tend to “talk” and chatter much within their groups. Their noises sound like squeaks and trills, except when they are alarmed by the presence of a predator or other threat. Then, they make a barking sound to alert the other group members to danger. Dogs, foxes, pumas, jaguars, eagles, and anacondas have all been known to prey on capybaras.
The Capybara Diet
The name “capybara” is derived from a Tupi word meaning “grass-eater.” The Tupi people were indigenous to coastal Brazil, where many capybara species originate. As herbivores, capybaras eat only plants, and grass makes up the bulk of their diet, along with water plants, fruit, and tree bark. Adult capybaras can eat up to eight pounds of hay daily. As with other rodents, this animal’s long front teeth continue growing its entire life to compensate for the fact that the teeth are constantly worn down by frequent munching.
Should I Have a Capybara as a Pet?
Just because you can have a capybara as a pet doesn’t mean it is the best idea. The Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission discourages homeowners from having wildlife as pets. Capybaras aren’t like dogs or cats. Capybaras swim year-round, so they need a large swimming area to float freely and get exercise. Unless you have a substantial outdoor, grassy area, you may need to buy hay, leafy vegetables, or other food to supply a capybara with eight pounds per day. Although capybaras may seem pretty sedate, the animals are territorial and can bite with sharp teeth when provoked. Since capybaras aren’t your usual pet, it can be challenging to find veterinary care or find someone who would like to adopt a capybaras if you determine you can no longer care for your pet.
What Should I Do if I See a Capybara in the Wild?
Since fewer than one hundred capybaras live in the state, the chances you will see one in Orlando are relatively low. The Florida Fish & Wildlife Department encourages anyone who finds a capybara in the wild or would like to surrender their capybara to call the Exotic Species Reporting Hotline at 1-888-IVE-GOT-1. Since capybaras are wild animals and can be aggressive, do not attempt to capture one alone.
ABC Knows About Orlando Wildlife
At ABC Home & Commercial Services, we keep up-to-date on the more common pests and animals like capybaras, which may eventually become a problem. Our highly skilled technicians know about pests you will likely come across and those you don’t want on your property. Whether you’re dealing with mice, rats, raccoons, or other wildlife, we know they’re an unwelcome and unsafe presence in your living space. Using our thorough treatment approach, our experienced inspectors and wildlife control specialists will diagnose your pest problem and develop a plan to solve it.