There’s a reason crocodiles don’t eat capybaras

Capybaras are the biggest “relaxers” in the animal kingdom and seem to get along with everyone and everything – even crocodiles, sometimes ferocious predators that are not exactly known for their gestures of goodwill. The question that arises is: but why?

As capybaras — Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris — , a largest living species of rodentare native to much of South America, they are normally found resting in groups near lakes, rivers and swamps where they spend their days gnawing on grass and aquatic plants.

According to , its places of preferred coexistence is in the crocodile territorylike the various species of caiman that lurk in the habitats swamps of the South American jungle. Despite this proximity, capybaras do not often end up on these predators’ “plates”.

Elizabeth Congdona certified capybara specialist and assistant professor at Bethune-Cookman University in Florida, explained that it is very unusual to see crocodiles hunting and eating capybaras in the wild, which doesn’t mean that capybaras are never on the Caymanian menu in difficult times, he added, but it is something rare.

“It’s rare, especially when there is an abundance of fish and prey that is easier to handle than a capybara. I’ve seen them in nature sleeping side by side”, disse a Congdon.

Why don’t Caymanians eat capybaras?

The main reason for this unexpected truce is that capybaras are surprisingly good at defending themselves. From a distance they look harmless, but they have extremely large and sharp front teeth that can cause serious damage if necessary.

“Capybaras have large, sharp teeth. Combined with their body size, I think they simply are not worth the trouble or the risk of injury”, explained Congdon.

It’s not just crocodiles that maintain a friendly relationship with capybaras. As relatively harmless herbivores, many other species are perfectly content to share a riverside corner with them.

“I have photographs of capybaras with birds traveling on their backsturtles sunning themselves on them while they sleep, and there are lots of examples of that in zoos and in captivity,” Congdon continued. “If they have a patch of grass to eat or a nice pond to stay cool in, they’re fine.”

Do people eat capybaras?

Caimans, jaguars, anacondas, ocelots, harpies and other predators are known to eat capybaras in certain circumstances, but The biggest threat to this friendly rodent is humans.

Many communities hunt and eat wild capybaras in South America, despite bans in some countries. To reduce pressure on wild populations, capybara breeding farms have emerged in recent years, and species seems to adapt surprisingly good to commercial agriculture.

But don’t take a capybara’s relaxed attitude for granted. If it bothers you, you could get a nasty bite. Reliable statistics on giant rodent attacks in South America are hard to come by, but news reports and viral videos suggest that capybaras have attacked people and pets.