You know the Rodents of Unusual Size (R.O.U.S.es) from The Princess Bride? As a kid, I just logically assumed that no rodent could possibly be that big and they were a as made up as the countries of Florin and Guilder.
My child logic wasn't completely off-base, but what I didn't realize is that the term "rodent" doesn't just apply to rats, mice, or squirrels.
Even the common beaver is a rodent and they are pretty big!
Westley wouldn't need to best one in a fight, since they'd be a'okay with visitors.
At first I was surprised, but then I read that some of their closest relatives are guinea pigs and that tracks.
Capybaras are native to South America and live in large social groups of up to 40 individuals on average.
Like beavers, they are semi-aquatic, with webbed feet and eyes set high on their heads to allow them to see while mostly submerged.
Continuing the theme of being friend to all animals, capybaras are vegetarians, eating grass and a very select few other plants. Like cows, they aid their digestion by eating their own feces. So maybe don't let them breathe in four face.
They squeak, chirp, and even bark to each other when hanging out.
Capybaras can make good pets, but laws vary by region for whether or not you might be allowed to have one.
h/t: National Geographic, PEOPLE
