Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/giant-rodent-gets-pet/

In case you don’t know, the world’s largest rodent is the capybara. These animals resemble giant guinea pigs, who are actually their distant cousins.

However, unlike adorable little guinea pigs, capybaras measure about 39 to 51 inches long and 20 inches tall. Depending on their gender, they can weigh 60 to 174 pounds. Interestingly enough, the females are actually larger than the males.

These animals tend to be found near areas that are very watery given that they often need to bathe in order to keep their dry skin moisturized. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, their normal habitats include areas like estuaries, marshes, riverbanks, and streams – all along Central and South America.

These animals are often nicknamed “water hogs” because of their habits of sleeping in muddy or shallow waters – something they do to both hide from predators as well as keep themselves cool.

Much like hogs, these large rodents have an extremely affectionate side to them.

Natália Cará of Biologando Pelo Mundo is a biologist, as well as a former Disney actor. She shared a video that shows a rescued capybara who is a total love bug – enjoying having its head and neck scratched by others.

As she explained in the video description, “This rescued capybara decided to approach me while I was cleaning her pool and begged me for some scratches… her reaction to it is equally funny and adorable!!”

But perhaps the cutest thing is the giant buck teeth that become apparent every time the giant rodent throws her head back for scratches.

Check out the adorable video below:

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What do you think of capybaras? Have you ever seen one in real life? Let us know!

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog