Wild Capybaras Spotted Walking in Single Line in the Middle of the Night in Brazil [Watch]; What Are These Species?

Wild Capybaras Spotted Walking in Single Line in the Middle of the Night in Brazil [Watch]; What Are These Species?
(Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Wilfredo Rafael Rodriguez Hernandez)

A woman from Brazil was surprised when she saw a group of capybaras in a single line one night.

Wild Capybaras in a Single Line Spotted in Brazil

On June 20, Luciana Castello Branco Rangel of Brasilia, Brazil, woke up in the middle of the night after her dog made a noise. She rushed to the balcony and looked out the window.

She wanted to know what had caught her dog's attention and was curious to find out. She was surprised to see a parade of at least 10 capybaras moving down the street in single file outside her window.

Castello Branco Rangel filmed the incident and shared it on TikTok. As of this writing, the viral video has amassed over 18 million views.

The largest rodent species in the world, capybaras, are shown in the video walking slowly along the street in front of Castello Branco Rangel's house. One of the larger animals seems to be leading the group, with the other capybaras following slowly.

The rodents eventually break formation and begin to slow down. The clip ended with the animals resting in the darkness outside the house.

Castello Branco Rangel's post of the capybaras marching in a single line in the middle of the night received several reactions from other online users.

One user suggested that capybaras "always ride single file to hide their numbers." Another suggests that it must be something their species do because guinea pigs, a type of capybara, also do the same. Meanwhile, several suggest they are the most orderly of all rodents.

Capybaras usually live in groups of up to 40 individuals. So, the sighting of at least 10 capybaras was not surprising at all.

@tiktok|https://www.tiktok.com/@lu.castellie/video/7382470967911599366@

ALSO READ: Rat Taking a Shower: Watch Rodent Scrub Itself in the Sink; Experts Explain Bizarre Sighting

What Are Capybaras?

Capybaras are the biggest rodent on Earth. They are twice as big as beavers.

These semi-aquatic creatures can be found across much of northern and central South America. However, a little invading population has been reported in Florida. They share a closer relationship with rock cavies and guinea pigs but a further relationship with chinchillas and agouti.

Similar to beavers, capybaras can swim rather well. Their swine-shaped bodies are designed for living in wetlands, seasonally flooded savannas, and woods with bodies of water.

Their long, brittle reddish-brown fur is ideal for rapidly drying out on land, and their toes are somewhat webbed for maneuvering around. Their hairless ears, noses, and small eyes are positioned high on their heads to keep their faces visible and attentive even while most of their bodies are submerged.

Like other rodents, capybaras constantly grow their teeth, which they wear down by feeding on grasses, aquatic plants, and other abundant vegetation.

In the morning, they also consume their own excrement. Because many bacteria are breaking down the food from the previous day, their feces are rich in protein. Eating their waste helps them digest it twice since the grasses they consume are difficult to digest.

Capybaras dwell in groups of up to 40. However, they also don't mind living alone. Depending on their environment and the availability of mates, their mating season changes throughout the year. Typically, females give birth to one litter of four to five children annually.