If you’re anywhere on the Internet, you’ve probably seen them around. They look like a hodgepodge of a guinea pig, beaver, and coconut, but far upsized. They surf on the backs of their parents but double as free cabs and pillows for the rest of the animal kingdom. They’re capybaras, of course, the largest rodents in the world.
But even though they are rodents, we adore these creatures. What’s their secret?
What Are Capybaras and Why Are They So Popular?
(Credit: Henner Damke/Shutterstock)
Scientifically, capybaras are known as Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, or “water pigs.” Most people refer to them as capybaras, or even affectionately “capys” for short. But make no mistake – capybaras aren’t pigs, even if they’re built like ones.
