Capybara

Description:

The capybara is the largest rodent in the world, with some having grown to 200 pounds. However, most adults grow to less than 150 pounds. Suffice it to say, if you do not like rats, you do not want to stumble upon a capybara, although they are herbivores! If I had to guess, the one pictured probably weighed in between 90-110 pounds and stood at just under two feet in height.

Habitat:

They are native to South America, with the exception of Chile, and frequent areas near bodies of water, to include savannas, lakes, rivers, swamps, and even dense forests. Capybaras are social animals and are usually found in groups of 10-20.

Notes:

While traveling in the upper Peruvian Amazon basin in July 2013, I had hoped to see these animals in the wild. However, with some irony, this image was taken at Ardastra Gardens, Zoo, and Conservation Centre in Nassau, Bahamas, while on a vacation cruise.