A capybara is essentially a giant guinea pig, around the size of a Labrador. They live in South America, in big groups along rivers and wetlands, and they spend their days munching grass, swimming, and dozing in shallow water.
They’ve become internet-famous for one weird trait: just about every other animal seems to like them. Photos show capybaras lounging with crocodiles, riding around with monkeys, snuggling with cats, and getting groomed by birds. Scientists think they’re so calm and harmless that other species simply don’t bother stressing about them.
Capybaras are also semi-aquatic, which means they can swim and even dive. Their eyes, ears, and noses are all on the top of their heads, so they can paddle along with just the top of their face showing - and sleep right at the water’s edge with their nostrils above the surface.
