AnimalsAPR 5, 2016

Are Capybaras Friendly? 38 Cute Photos Of Unlikely Friendships

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You have probably seen a lot of funny capybara pics online. These chill cuties have taken the internet by storm, largely due to their unperturbed facial expression and what seems to be the ability to get along with virtually any living creature they happen to be around. Naturally, this led to the question: are capybaras friendly, or is this all somehow staged? That’s a very interesting question, but before we get into it, let’s start with the basics.

What Is A Capybara?

Native to the South American continent, capybaras can be found in most of its countries except Chile. Quite impressive in size, they grow from 106 to 134 cm (3.48-4.40 ft) and weigh between 35 to 66 kg (77-146 lb), with females being slightly heavier.

Their name comes from the now-extinct Tupi language that was spoken by aboriginal people in certain regions of Brazil. It can be translated as “grass-eater,” which gives you a good idea about their diet. Not only are capybaras herbivores, but when the season allows it, they are very picky and will only eat the leaves of one plant, ignoring anything else around it. Their usual lifespan is 8 to 10 years.

Much like their closest relatives, guinea pigs, capybaras are very social animals who live in groups of 10 to 20. However, larger groups have also been spotted. Despite being rodents, capybaras are also semiaquatic, which means they are great swimmers. Moreover, they only mate in water.

Why Are Capybaras So Friendly And Chill?

So what about all these photos with a capybara chilling with other animals, like they were best buddies? Are capybaras friendly in real life, as these images seem to suggest? Unlike popular belief, they do actually have predators in their natural habitat, but that doesn’t stop them from being amiable towards everyone else. But what are capybaras afraid of? Large predators like green anacondas, jaguars, or eagles are their natural enemies, so no chances of friendship there.

Most explanations of their zen character go back to the fact that capybaras are highly social. They live in groups where they feel protected; that’s why they don't feel anxious when surrounded by other animals. And other animals love capybara’s company because not many wildlife dwellers will let you ride their back just for fun! In this article, you will find some of the cutest pics of capybara friendships.

#21

A capybara lying on grass with a small monkey resting on its back, showcasing friendly animal interactions.

Ralph Akkermans

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51points

#22

Friendly capybara sitting with a smaller capybara and a bird on its back by the water.

animalssittingoncapybaras.tumblr.com

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45points

#23

Capybaras lounging with ducks on hay, showcasing their friendly nature and unlikely friendships.

unknown

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40points

#24

Capybaras in a field with flowers, one with a small bird on its back, showcasing friendly wildlife interactions.

animalssittingoncapybaras.tumblr.com

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39points

#25

Capybaras with a bird on one in a grassy wetland, demonstrating friendly wildlife interactions.

richardbernabe.com

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38points

#26

Capybara and baby snuggling, showing friendly interaction in a natural setting.

37points

#27

Capybara with a small bird perched on its head, showcasing a friendly interaction in a natural setting.

hoothollowma

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36points

#28

Capybara with a small rat perched on its back by a pool, showcasing friendly animal interaction.

rousphotos.tumblr.com

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35points

#29

Friendly capybara with a bird on its back in a grassy field, showcasing unlikely animal friendships.

Juan Ramon Diaz Colodrero

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33points

#30

Friendly capybaras cuddling with a white rabbit on a sunny day, showcasing unlikely animal friendships.

CapybaraJP

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33points

I Think This Is The Beginning Of A Beautiful Friendship (c)

Back to the question we started with: are capybaras friendly? Oh yes, they are. Probably the most chill and calmest representatives of the animal world, these semiaquatic rodents can find their way to the heart of almost any living being because who doesn’t want a cute capybara as their buddy?

#31

Capybara and puppy enjoying a bath together in a small pool, showcasing their friendly bond.

33points

#32

Capybara with playful monkeys, showcasing friendly behavior among unlikely animal companions.

jansamachar.com

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29points

#33

Capybaras enjoying a meal with a duck by the water, showcasing their friendly nature.

I love Capybara Facebook

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29points

#34

Capybaras relaxing in a red basket with a small white rabbit, showcasing their friendly and unlikely bond.

animalssittingoncapybaras.tumblr.com

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28points

#35

Capybara with a monkey on its back, showcasing its friendly nature in an unexpected animal friendship.

capybara camera

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24points

#36

Woman smiling as capybara nuzzles her cheek, showcasing capybara friendliness.

http://gianthamster.com/tag/pet-capybara/

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9points

#37

Capybara resting peacefully beside a turtle, showcasing a friendly and unlikely animal friendship.

4points

#38

Capybara cuddling with a monkey, showcasing an unlikely friendship in a serene setting.

0points

FAQ

Where Can You Play With Capybaras?

As mentioned before, capybaras love being petted, so they will be fully onboard if you want to play with them. Even though capybaras aren't considered endangered, there are some shelters where you can have the fun experience of petting a baby or an adult capybara.

Are Capybaras Smart?

Those who handle capybaras daily claim that, when tamed, capybaras can pick up quite a lot of tricks. Some say they even learn to recognize when you are calling them and will come to see what you want.

Is It Legal To Keep Capybara As A Pet?

This varies from country to country, and in certain countries, like the US, may be different in different states. If you are considering adopting a capybara, make sure you check information relevant to your country. But it is also no less important to fully understand that keeping a wild animal, albeit as friendly and unproblematic as a capybara, comes with many responsibilities.

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Marisha KazaryanAuthor

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