Capybara

[Statalyzer]

A friend just told me she's seen a guy walking a capybara (world's largest rodent) around the Chipotle in south Austin a couple of times recently. I didn't even know you could actually own these things as pets. Anybody else seen this? Apparently he just takes it around with him wherever it's allowed to go, just like other people do with their dogs.

 

[buckhorn]

Maybe it was a Nutria. They look about like a Capybara, but they have tails and live a bit closer to Town Lake.

 

[TNLonghorn]

I googled 'capybara' and found this pic. Looks like it's in Austin.

 

[general35]

i think that thing is too big for richard gere to handle.

 

[PFD]

Also known as the "three-foot Jerry."

The capybara's claim to fame is its featured role on various wildlife TV shows being savagely attacked and eaten by South American predators (e.g., anacondas, caymans, piranha, jaguars, etc.).

The next time you see the one in Austin, you should bum-rush it and ferociously attack it. You know, to make it feel at home.

 

[ProdigalHorn]

I just can't get past the fact that you're petting a gigantic rat.

 

[PFD]

In reply to:

---

---

 

[accuratehorn]

I wondered what was in those pans you choose your taco dinner from at Chipotle.

 

[halsteadfrost]

We watch a lot of Animal Planet, and that Capybara has been featured on a handful of shows. I've been wanting to call up the owners and see if we could visit him

 

[Third Coast]

In reply to:

---

---

 

[Texanne]

Rats actually make good pets -- trainable, friendly, affectionate. So I imagine the capybara would be, too.

 

[Mudcat35]

The Capy's name is Caplin Rous. You can google it. Apparently, it likes to eat popsicles and swim in the pool. Lives in Kyle, I think.

 

[halsteadfrost]

In reply to:

---

---

 

[blueglasshorse]

If this thing escapes and breeds it will be much less amusing. Imagine giant rats throughout the highland lakes.

 

[beaVo]

it looks like it would talk with a slow, deep, british accent

 

[PFD]

In reply to:

---

---