Capybara, << `kap` uh BAHR uh, >> is the largest of all rodents. It grows up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) long and may weigh over 100 pounds (45 kilograms). It lives in eastern Panama and in South America east of the Andes, near rivers, lakes, or swamps.
The capybara looks like a small pig or a large guinea pig. Its thick body is covered with coarse hair that is reddish-brown or gray on its upper parts and yellowish-brown on its underparts. The animal has a large head with a blunt, square muzzle, and a short tail. Its hind legs are somewhat longer than its front legs. It has webbed toes and swims well. It grazes near rivers or other bodies of water and plunges into the water at any sign of danger. Some people call the capybara a water pig or water hog.
In prehistoric times, capybaras lived in southeastern North America. They are eaten by alligators, jaguars, and human beings.
See also Agouti.
