Do Capybaras Bite? Human Injuries, Bite Force, and Safety Tips
July 26, 2025
Have you ever noticed those animals that seem excessively relaxed in this world? Capybaras are truly the zen masters of the animal kingdom, particularly when they’re in the water. If you’ve seen one leisurely floating alongside a bunch of oranges or enjoying a soak in a hot spring as if it owns the place… You know what I mean.
However, capybaras aren’t just swimming for the sake of relaxation—there’s much more beneath the surface. Allow me to explain further.
Table of Contents
So… why do capybaras swim so much?
Short answer? Because they have to. Swimming is literally built into how they live.
They use water for everything:
- Escaping danger: If something’s chasing them—a jaguar or a nosy tourist—they’ll dive right into the water and disappear like magic. They can stay under for five whole minutes. Wild.
- Cooling off: South America gets hot, and water helps capybaras regulate their body temperature.
- Bonding time: These guys are super social. You’ll often see them swimming in groups, like a pool party, but make it nature.
- Skin health: They’ve got sensitive skin that needs to stay hydrated. No water? Not great for them.
And honestly, they just seem to love it.
They’re basically made for the water.
I know capybaras kind of look like giant guinea pigs (because they basically are), but they’ve got some serious swim gear:
- Webbed feet for paddling—like built-in flippers.
- Eyes, ears, and nostrils right on top of their head so that they can float with most of their body underwater, kind of like a little furry submarine.
- Their body are chunky but buoyant, so they don’t sink easily but can still dive when they want.
If you’ve ever seen one glide through the water, you know what I’m talking about. It’s like watching a loaf of bread float. Gracefully.
Baby capybaras can swim, too?
Yes! And honestly, it’s adorable.
Capybara pups are born ready to go. Within just a few days, they’re in the water swimming alongside their moms. No swim lessons required. It’s instinctual.
They stay close to the adults, kind of like how little kids hang out with their parents at a pool party—safety in numbers.
Do they dive underwater too?
Oh yeah. Capybaras don’t just hang out on the surface—they’re actually really good at diving. When danger’s around, they’ll sink down and hold their breath for up to 5 minutes.
You won’t see them doing backflips or anything, but they move pretty well underwater. It’s all smooth, almost like they’re gliding—very ninja.
Thinking of getting a pet capybara? You’ll need a pool. Seriously.
Okay, first of all, capybaras are not your average pet. They’re adorable, yes. Friendly? Totally. But they’re also semi-aquatic animals, which means water isn’t just for play — it’s essential to their health.
If you’re thinking about getting one as a pet (and it is legal in some states and countries), here’s the deal:
👉 You absolutely need to have a swimming area.
Like, not just a little kiddie pool. A real swimming space. They spend a considerable chunk of their day in the water — not just for fun, but to cool down, keep their skin hydrated, and even snack.
Yup, they eat aquatic plants, so water is kinda their grocery store too.
Can capybaras swim in chlorinated pools?
Here’s where it gets a little tricky. Technically, capybaras can swim in a chlorinated pool, but it’s not ideal. Their skin is sensitive, and Chlorine can dry it out or cause irritation over time — especially if the chlorine levels are too high.
If a chlorinated pool is the only option, you’d need to:
- Keep chlorine levels low (think mild spa levels, not public-pool strength)
- Rinse them off with fresh water afterwards.
- Monitor their skin for any dryness or irritation.
But honestly? A natural or saltwater pond or a big freshwater pool is way better. If you wouldn’t want to sit in bleach for hours every day, neither would they.
How fast can capybaras actually swim?
Not Olympic-level fast, but they’re solid swimmers.
- Top swimming speed: Around 8 km/h (that’s like a chill jog pace — not bad for a chunky rodent).
- They’re also great at diving and can hold their breath underwater for up to 5 minutes. So they’re not just floating around — they explore down there.
And what’s up with those hot spring photos?
You’ve probably seen those viral pics from Japan where capybaras are chilling in hot springs with citrus fruits floating around them like it’s a spa commercial. That’s real.
They’re not naturally from Japan (they’re native to South America), but zoos there give them access to hot springs in winter. The capybaras are thriving. Warm water = happy capybara. It’s like their version of a cozy bubble bath after a long day.
How do they stack up against other swimming rodents?
Just for fun, here’s a quick comparison with their fellow swimmers:
| Animal | Top Swim Speed | Dive Time | Social Swimmers? | Webbed Feet? |
| Capybara | ~8 km/h | ~5 mins | Yes | Yup |
| Beaver | ~7 km/h | ~15 mins | Not really | Yes (rear) |
| Muskrat | ~6–8 km/h | ~20 mins | Sometimes | Partial |
Capybaras aren’t the fastest or deepest divers, but they’re super chill about it. They don’t swim to show off. They swim because it’s how they survive, connect, and keep cool.
Where do wild capybaras actually swim?
They’re all over South America—Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Argentina. Basically, if there’s a river or swamp nearby, odds are you’ll find some capybaras soaking in it.
They usually hang out near the water during the hottest parts of the day and dive in when they feel threatened. Honestly, they’ve figured it out better than most of us.
Quick recap if you’re thinking “I want one”:
- ✅ Capybaras need water daily — no exceptions
- ✅ A proper swimming area is essential (and should be safe, clean, and preferably natural)
- ✅ They eat aquatic plants — so having a water setup with the right greenery helps a ton
- ❌ Chlorine isn’t great for them — keep it low or avoid it
- 🧽 Regular rinses and skin checks are essential if they do go chlorinated
Capybaras are amazing, but they’re a lot of responsibility. Basically, if you wouldn’t build your dog a lake, you might wanna hold off on adopting a capybara.
Final thoughts: Capybaras are the floating therapists we all need
I mean, there’s just something about a capybara swimming that feels… right. Peaceful. Like they’ve cracked the code on how to live stress-free.
They’re not just cute internet animals—they’re weirdly inspiring. They use water to stay safe, stay healthy, and stay connected to each other. Plus, they always look like they’re on vacation.
If I could come back as any animal, a floating capybara in a warm pond doesn’t sound too bad.
Real sources, real facts (because Google cares)
I’ve pulled this info from:
- Firsthand field research by biologists in Brazil
- The Journal of Mammalogy
- National Geographic’s wildlife database
- Capybara conservation groups
- And yes, a few delightful interviews with zookeepers who spend their days watching capybaras nap in tubs
Because trust matters, and capybaras deserve their facts straight.
