Why did the capybara cross the road?
Melly’s Blog:
Today’s blog post features photos of a large group of capybaras that we spotted when a few of them crossed the Pantaneira Highway, as shown in the photo above. So rather than being all birds, this post is all capys. Hope you enjoy the photos.
The grass is always greener...
Our most excellent guide, Ailton Lara of Pantanal Nature, said that almost no one pays any attention to the capybaras. For that reason, they are fairly brave as you drive by. But they get suspicious when you stop since so few vehicles stop to take a look at these adorably large rodents. I believe this one is an adult female, possibly pregnant. Notice how beautifully red and luxurious her fur is! She is quite the looker!
An adult male capybara with a prominent morrillo
This male did not trust us and was at high alert, although he did not bark. It looks like he’s seen some battles. There is a n obvious wound on his morrillo and a few places where his hair looks thin.
Run, capybara! Run!
This is the same male as in the photo above. Most of the capybaras were on the other side of the road and he decided he needed to join them in a hurry.
Band mentality
Here he is as he emerges from the brush and starts to cross the road to rejoin the band. He’s walking just as fast as his little capy legs will carry him.
Show me your paw
I like this shot because you can see the underside of his paw. I don’t think Garibaldi Rous walks like this but then he is seldom moving this fast. You can also see that he is missing big patches of fur. He has a strip of fur missing on his flank, his legs are mostly devoid of fur and his rear end is completely bald. Well, he’s still cute.
Under the fence
Ailton said that the fences only keep the cattle and horses in and do not disrupt the movements of the wildlife. This seems to be true, at least for this fence and capybaras. He easily slid under the lowest wire on the fence.
Suspicion
This male had a reaction to us that was similar to the first male’s. Wild capys are not very trusting animals.
Capybara Crossing
I had wanted to get some photos of capybaras crossing the road and these guys were very cooperative.
Swim, capybaras! Swim!
Once everyone was on the same side of the road, it was time to swim away. This photo shows two adult females taking to the water.
Capybaras are semi-aquatic
Capybaras generally seek refuge in the water when they feel threatened and these guys were no exception.
Surface swimming
This is how capys swim when they don’t feel very threatened or when the water is shallow. If the want to move quickly or something is after them, they swim fully submerged.
Oh! I just can’t get enough photos of capys! They are all just so precious. Wish I could live with one!
Thank you so much for sharing your pics with us. The wild Capy’s do look like they are red instead of brown.
What wonderful pictures! How exciting to see so many capys, and so beautiful!
It looks like a very exciting lifestyle! Still I do appreciate my milk and corn at 9am, more corn at noon sharp, frolicking with my flock at 3, doing tricks for more corn at 4, and milk at bedtime, in my heated bedroom. It could be worse.
There should be a pantanal big post #3.
From a techie point of view: I am never ceased to be amazed by the quality and detail captured by your camera. I am sure we are all wanting to fly out there and see what you saw Melanie. For now though we can only dream and look at these wonderful photos – the next best thing.
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After I retired from my current job, I gotta devote to advocate Capybara Crossings in Brazil!
Safe Passage for Capybaras! That would be my motto!
Thanks again Melly for sharing these pictures. Can’t get enough of Capybara pics. They are gorgeous. Gari is one lucky boy – even though he doesn’t think so at times. I know he is only kidding. Blog number 3 – waiting. Love watching them crossing the street. Thanks again.
Wow, this trip must have been heaven for you Melanie!!
Would be for me!
Wonderful pictures Melanie, thank you for sharing with us!
Great to see them just living their lives and getting along. I’m glad the fences don’t stop them, or the farmers/ranchers would start killing them for damaging property. I do love the color of the wild capys, such a beautiful red!
Thanks for sharing these photos! Capybaras have become my favorite animals!
I’m glad you had a great time and lots of pictures here in Brasil! I don’t live in Mato Grosso, but here in the south there are plenty of capys as well.
great pics! thanks so much for sharing.
How wonderful to see Capys just walking about naturally. The only things we see here are the odd squirrel or rabbit! 🙂
Super photos, thank you for sharing.
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It’s amazing to see the Capys just roaming about….
I love these photos!! Thank you so much for sharing them.
[…] want everyone to know that Melanie recently went to Brazil and saw a lot of wild capybaras and wonderful birds. She also saw a gorgeous, hungry jaguar who wanted to eat a […]