The hair covering the capybaras is rare, and its skin can easily get sunburned by prolonged exposure to the sun. Fortunately, capybaras can dive and stay underwater for up to five minutes, often falling asleep in the water while keeping their noses on the water surface. Diving along rivers, mangrove forests, and swamps helps them to stay cool and safe from sunburn. ¹⁾

Capybaras are very vocal animals, and the sound they make carries a meaning. Sounds made by capybaras include barking, whistling, purring, grunting, squealing, cackling, and whining. ²⁾

They are able to reach speeds of up to 22 miles per hour. That's like a very fast-running human. ³⁾

The breeding season for capybaras varies throughout the year depending on what habitat they live in. ⁴⁾

Capybaras have a special digestive adaptation that allows them to absorb sufficient nutrients from their diet. A large fermentation chamber, in their gut stores and breaks down fibrous materials, mixing them with bacteria, enzymes, and gases that aid digestion. ⁵⁾

Although their population is thought to be stable, in some areas capybaras are under serious threat from humans who hunt them for their hide. ⁶⁾

Because the hair covering the capybara is sparse, its skin can easily get sunburned from prolonged exposure to the sun. ⁷⁾

Capybaras can live 8-10 years in the wild, and about 12 years in captivity. ⁸⁾

Capybaras don't mind being alone, but they also live in groups of up to 40 individuals. ⁹⁾

A capybara is about the size of a Labrador Retriever. ¹⁰⁾

Typically, a group of capybaras has a ratio of one male to two females. This ratio is maintained because subordinate males on the periphery of the group are more vulnerable to predation. ¹¹⁾

Capybaras live in Central and South America. They can also be found in many zoos around the world. ¹²⁾

A capybara can hide underwater from predators. ¹³⁾

The jaguar and the caiman are the animal's main natural predators. ¹⁴⁾

Capybaras weigh an average of 77 to 146 lb. ¹⁵⁾

Female capybaras usually have one litter - four to five young per year. ¹⁶⁾