Capybara Facts
for Kids

Capybaras are the largest living rodents on Earth. Adults typically weigh 35–66 kg (77–145 lb) and measure 1–1.3 m (3.3–4.3 ft) in body length, standing about 50–62 cm (20–24 in) at the shoulder. Females are slightly larger than males, which is unusual among rodents.

Capybaras are famously tolerant and gentle with other species. Birds, small monkeys, cats, dogs, and even crocodilians are routinely photographed resting on or beside capybaras. This likely reflects a lack of aggression and strong social instincts rather than active friendliness — but the result is one of the animal world's most celebrated cross-species tolerances.

Capybaras are strict herbivores that eat primarily grasses and aquatic plants, spending 4–8 hours grazing per day and consuming roughly 3–4 kg of vegetation. They also eat reeds, bark, and fruit. Like rabbits, capybaras practise coprophagy — eating their own morning dung to re-process plant material and extract gut bacteria and B vitamins.

Yes — capybaras are excellent swimmers. Their slightly webbed toes and dense bodies make them naturally buoyant, and they can reach about 3.5 km/h (2.2 mph) in water. They can submerge completely for up to 5 minutes to evade jaguars and pumas. Their eyes, nose, and ears sit high on their heads so they can breathe and sense danger while almost entirely submerged.

Capybaras are highly social animals that live in groups of 10–20, sometimes up to 100 during the dry season when they congregate around shrinking water sources. Groups are typically led by a dominant male who maintains order and gives alarm barks. They sleep in piles for warmth and mutual protection.