Capybaras

The capybara, which lives in South America, is considered the largest living rodent. Although large males may weigh 35 to 64 kg (77 to 141 lb), fossil capybaras were twice as large and up to eight times as heavy, making them larger than present day North American brown bears. Capybaras live in social groups near water, where they feed on grasses growing in and near the water’s edge. Capybaras are farmed for their meat and hides, which can be made into an excellent leather.

Aldo Brando Leon/Oxford Scientific Films