Curious about Capybaras?
- ejharpist
- Jul 15
- 2 min read
The world's largest rodent, capybaras are sweet, cute and surprisingly popular in photos and icons, but are you curious to learn more about these captivating creatures?
Here we go!
Capybaras are semi-aquatic, which means they are good swimmers, AND spend time on land.
There are two different species of Capybaras - one being the standard capybara the other being the lesser capybara which has a much smaller range.
Image from Peppermint Narwhal Creative They are native to South America - Venezuela, Panama, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, etc. They live in rainforests or wet, grassy areas near lakes, rivers or swamps.
Capybaras are herbivores, eating grasses, plants and sometimes melons, squash etc.
They have webbed feet.
They are a bit like pigs or hippos - the like to mud-wallow to keep cool, and it mud is all-natural sunscreen.
The herds are led by one male (like gorillas), and mainly live in small family groups of 10-20.
They can weigh ca. 100 pounds, and stand about 2 feet tall.
They rarely fight; and are rather gentle.
Like cows, they are grazers. Like me, they are herbivores!
Babies grow for about 5 months and are born in litters of 4-5 at a time.
Young capybaras make many sounds; they purr!
They are crepuscular (active at twilight).
from Peppermint Narwhal Creative - July 10th is Capybara Appreciation Day
I first learned about capybaras when studying rainforest animals and I was drawn to their cute appearance, but also their sweetness. They graze, swim and seem pretty calm.
This poem really speaks to me about the gentle strength of the capybara. I don't know who wrote it, but the artwork and poem were posted on "Interesting World" and I really love them.
They say the capybara fears nothing…
But it’s not about bravery.
It just doesn’t fight.
Doesn’t run.
Doesn’t shout.
Doesn’t panic.
It moves through the world like nothing can harm it.
It walks past crocodiles like they’re old neighbors.
Strolls by predators like it’s going out for coffee.
And no one touches it.
Not because it’s the strongest.
But because it threatens no one.
It doesn’t demand respect with teeth or growls.
It earns it with calm.
The capybara has that kind of energy that softens the air.
That peace that people want to be around.
That presence that quiets even the loudest minds.
Maybe that’s why birds sit on it, monkeys hang with it, even predators don’t mind it.
Being near a capybara… feels like peace.
It’s not about being untouchable.
It’s about being so at ease that no one even thinks of harming you.
No hate.
No drama.
No rush.
Just life.
Simple. Peaceful. Still.
And maybe the strength we’re missing isn’t about power…
Maybe it’s about being a little more like that.
We live in NYC, not a capybara habitat - no rainforest, no swamp, so we made a little habitat setup for my capybara (she's a stuffed animal!) and did a photo shoot!
There are some helpful nonfiction books about Capybaras in most libraries, and two sweet picture books worth mentioning as well.
Capybara is Friends with Everyone by Maddie Frost
The Capybaras by Alfredo Soderguit
Thanks for reading and we hope that learning a bit about capys has made you happy!
I learned a lot from this post! I had no idea that Capybaras are found in South America; and I thought it was really interesting that they eat clay to help balance their PH (this was in one of the videos). I always thought Capybaras were ADORABLE, but I must say that after reading that INCREDIBLE poem, I also think they are very peaceful, magnificent creatures that have much to teach us about how to be better human beings. Thank you so much for this inspiring post!!