Meet the Capybara, the chillest creature you’ve ever met

Capybaras are often described as the largest living rodents, but they’re also some of the friendliest and most fascinating animals in South America. They typically live in wetland regions, though shrinking habitats sometimes push them into nearby farms, parks, and neighbourhoods built on the lands they once roamed.

Built for both land and water, capybaras have coarse fur, partially webbed feet, and the ability to dive underwater to escape predators. And they have plenty of them, including big cats, snakes, and large birds. Their place in the food chain makes them an important part of their ecosystem.

Capybaras are also selective grazers. They eat grasses, leaves, and reeds depending on the season. And, yes, they sometimes eat their own droppings to help their gut bacteria digest food more efficiently. Strange but effective.

Fast Facts: Did You Know?

• Their eyes, ears, and nose sit high on their head
This gives them a calm and regal look, but it’s actually a clever adaptation. Like hippos, capybaras love cooling off in the water while still keeping an eye on the world above the surface.

• They live in complex social groups
Capybaras communicate using a wide range of sounds, including barks, whistles, grunts, laughs, and constant chattering. Their young are cared for cooperatively, making their social structure surprisingly sophisticated.

• They’re much faster than they look
Capybaras can run and swim at speeds of up to 20 mph. They’re also impressively agile and capable of jumping much higher than most people expect.

At Capybara on the Clouds, these gentle giants inspire the soft, magical world behind every plushie, every t-shirt, every design. Follow the Cloud Blog for more fun animal facts, product updates, and behind-the-scenes cloud adventures.