Why Do Crocodiles Not Eat Capybaras?

This places their favorite hangout spots in prime territory for crocodiles, such as the many species of caiman that lurk in South America's watery forest habitats. Despite this proximity, capybaras don't often become prey for predators.

Speaking to IFLScience, Dr. Elizabeth Congdon, a certified capybara expert and assistant professor at Bethune-Cookman University in Florida, explained that it's very unusual to see crocodiles hunting and eating capybaras in the wild. This doesn't mean capybaras are never on the caiman's menu when times are tough, she said, but it's an unusual occurrence.

"This is rare, especially when there are plenty of fish and easier prey to handle than a capybara," Dr. Congdon told IFLScience.

Why can't caimans eat capybaras?

The main reason behind this sudden agreement is that capybaras are surprisingly good at defending themselves. They're harmless from a distance, but their front teeth are very large and sharp, which can cause significant damage if necessary.

"Capybara teeth are large and sharp. Given their body size, I think they're not worth the trouble and risk of injury," Dr. Congdon explained.

Crocodiles aren't the only species with good relationships with capybaras. They're fairly harmless herbivores, so many other species are happy to share a riverbank with them.

"I have photos of capybaras with birds on their backs, turtles sunbathing on their backs while they sleep, and many other examples in zoos and captivity," Dr. Congdon continued. "If they have a patch of grass to eat or a nice pond to cool off in, they're fine."

Do people eat capybaras?

Caiman, jaguar, anaconda, ocelot, harpy eagle, and other predators are known to eat capybara under certain circumstances, but the biggest threat to this sociable rodent is humans.

Despite bans in some countries, many communities in South America hunt and eat wild capybara. To reduce pressure on wild populations, capybara farms have sprung up in recent years, and the species appears surprisingly suitable for commercial farming.

But don't take the capybara's calm demeanor lightly; straying into one could result in a nasty bite. Reliable statistics on attacks by the giant rodent in South America are difficult to obtain, but media reports and viral videos indicate that capybaras are known to attack pets and people.