Capybara’s Legal States (November 2025)

Sometimes, it is difficult to adopt a pet because you can’t tell whether it is legal to do so in your state or not.

This is one of the major challenges faced by the owners of capybaras.

You must have heard about this animal and how cute it is. However, it’s not everyone that wants it as a pet that is allowed by law to own one.

In this article, we are going to help you find out what capybara is, how it behaves, and whether it is legal to have one in your state or not.

So, take this walk with us as we explore all we can about capybaras.

What Is Capybara?

A capybara is a rodent. But it is the biggest rodent in the world. Capybaras are native of South America, meaning that if you see them in the United States, they were brought over there from South America.

Even though capybaras are rodents, they have web feet, which allows them to swim in rivers. This is why they are known as semi-aquatic rodents and it is also why you can find them around rivers.

You are going to find out more about capybaras as we progress.

How Can I Tell a Capybara from other Rodents?

The first thing that can tell you whether you are looking at a capybara or another rodent is the size of the animal.

So far, capybaras are the largest rodents in the world. They weigh up to 143 pounds (about 67 kilograms) and can be as tall as 2 feet on its shoulders.

The shape of their bodies also give them away. Even though capybaras are rodents, their heads look like that of a hippo and their bodies have the shape of a pig.

Their eyes and ears are set high above their heads and their ears are too small for their massive bodies.

Capybaras can also swim because they have webbed feet. So, you will most likely find them living close to water sources, especially rivers.

So, when you see a very gigantic brown rodent that swims in a river, that animal is most likely a capybara.

Beautiful Qualities of Capybaras

There are so many things about capybaras that make them one of the most favorite rodent pets in the world.

The first thing is that they can be very empathetic and they easily bond with humans and other animals. If you manage to bond with one, it can tell when you need a hug and so it will approach you for a pet or a cuddle.

Another characteristic of capybaras is that they are peaceful and harmonious. This makes it easier for them to live and mingle with other animals even in the wild. They can cuddle with any animal they bond with.

Capybaras are also calm and gentle. But, this behavior can change when the animal senses danger or is provoked.

Are Capybaras Friendly or Aggressive?

Usually, capybaras are very friendly and sociable. They rarely attack people and other animals when they are left alone. But you have to remember that they are still wild animals and that means they have ways of defending themselves.

What this means is that even though capybaras are gentle and friendly, they can become the opposite when you provoke them.

But generally, they are calm and have good temperament even though, as a wild animal, you can never always predict its next action.

Are Capybaras Harmful?

One of the questions people ask about capybaras is whether they are dangerous or not.

Well, as cute, docile, friendly, and pretty as these animals are, they are not harmless when they feel provoked, threatened or cornered.

What this means is that capybaras can be harmful if they feel attacked or in danger.

In case you are wondering how such cute animals can harm people, here are some of the reasons why capybaras are dangerous:

They have very large and sharp teeth that can cause a very severe injury if they bite you.
They can transmit diseases to humans or any other animal.
Their behaviors can be unpredictable sometimes.

If you always remember that capybaras are still wild animals despite being friendly, you will never forget to avoid getting in their ways and being attacked.

Also, you should maintain proper hygiene when around the animal to avoid being infected with any diseases it’s carrying.

Should You Have a Capybara as a Pet?

It’s ok if you want to keep a capybara as a pet but you have to consider certain things.

The first thing to think about is whether it is legal to own a capybara as a pet in your state. Remember, we are going to give you a list of capybara legal states soon.

So, if it’s legal to be a capybara owner in your state and you want one as a pet, you can go ahead and get it.

The second thing to consider is the fact that, as wild animals, capybaras can transmit diseases.

There are reported cases of capybaras transmitting life-threatening diseases, such as rabies, salmonella, leishmaniasis, and leptospirosis. They also transmit ringworms and many other bacterial diseases.

Capybaras transmit these infections through their bites, urine, and close contacts (such as with the water that is used by other animals or humans). There are also reported cases of people with broken skins or open wounds contracting these diseases after coming in contact with the animals.

Capybaras can also become aggressive and attack people and other animals. But this not common because the animal is generally gentle and friendly.

What we are saying here is that it’s ok to own a capybara but you have to check if it is legal in your state, discover how to avoid its attack, and also take precautions to avoid being infected with the diseases it carries.