Sort of Like a Giant Guinea Pig

Betcha never saw one of these kept as a pet before. The capybara, whose closest relative is the guinea pig, is the world’s largest living rodent. It can grow to four feet long and weight anywhere from 60 to 170 pounds, depending on its sex.

In the Amazon rain forest, the capybara is usually dinner, although some of the native people sometimes keep them as pets. As long as you don’t eat your pet, I guess it’s all right.

Rodents are smart and adaptable, so, if you’ve got the room for it, there’s no reason a capybara wouldn’t make a suitable pet. Just don’t expect to be able to walk into Pet Smart and buy one.