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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Capybara

The capybara is a large, semi-aquatic rodent native to South America and the largest living rodent species.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The capybara is a large, semi-aquatic rodent native to South America and the largest living rodent species. Closely related to guinea pigs, capybaras are herbivores that live near water in groups and are known for their calm behaviour and swimming ability. Although not native to Canada, they are widely known in Canadian wildlife education, zoos, and media as the world’s largest rodents.

Taxonomy

Capybaras are mammals in the rodent order Rodentia and the family Caviidae. The best-known species is the greater capybara, Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, and some sources also recognize a lesser capybara species.

Description and size

Capybaras are robust, barrel-shaped animals with short legs and webbed feet. Adults commonly reach about 1.4 metres long and can weigh roughly 35 to 65 kilograms, though larger individuals are reported.

Habitat and range

Capybaras live across much of South America, especially in areas with easy access to water. Typical habitats include wetlands, swamps, riverbanks, marshes, and seasonally flooded grasslands.

Behaviour and diet

Capybaras are social herbivores that eat grasses and aquatic plants. They are good swimmers and often enter water to escape predators or to stay cool.

Key facts

  • Capybaras are the largest living rodents.
  • They are semi-aquatic and spend much time near freshwater.
  • They are native to much of South America.
  • They are herbivores that graze on grasses and aquatic plants.
  • Capybaras are social animals that often live in groups.
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Canadian context

Capybaras are not native to Canada, but they are widely known in Canadian wildlife education, zoos, and media as the world’s largest rodents.

Frequently asked questions

What is a capybara?
A capybara is a large, semi-aquatic rodent native to South America and the largest living rodent species.
Are capybaras rodents?
Yes. Capybaras are rodents in the order Rodentia and are related to guinea pigs.
How big is a capybara?
Adults are commonly about 1.4 metres long and can weigh around 35 to 65 kilograms, with some sources reporting heavier individuals.
Where do capybaras live?
They live in South America, usually near freshwater habitats such as rivers, lakes, swamps, marshes, and wetlands.
Can you have a capybara as a pet?
In some places it may be legal, but capybaras are wild animals with specialised social and aquatic needs, so they are generally not suitable pets.
Are capybaras dangerous?
Capybaras are usually calm and not considered dangerous, but they are wild animals and can bite or react defensively if stressed or threatened.

References

  1. National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/cabybara-facts
    Supports: Common name, scientific name, size, weight, habitat, diet, conservation status, and range.
  2. PBS Nature — https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/blog/capybara-fact-sheet/
    Supports: Rodent classification, largest rodent status, weight range, and species information.
  3. Natural History Museum — https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/things-you-might-not-know-about-capybaras.html
    Supports: Rodent classification, genus, number of species, and habitat near water.
  4. Britannica Kids — https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/capybara/634709
    Supports: Size, range, semi-aquatic habits, social behaviour, diet, and predator avoidance.
  5. WebMD — https://www.webmd.com/pets/capybara-are-they-good-pets
    Supports: Capybaras as pets and their status as large semi-aquatic rodents.