Run capybaras! They’re coming to get you!
Officials in the Los Angeles town of Paso Robles will be setting up live traps for the world’s large rodents. Capybaras aren’t dangerous toward humans, but they are considered wild animals who can carry diseases.
Lt. Todd Tognazzini says:
“Like any wild animal, they├óΓé¼Γäóre going to defend themselves, so we wouldn├óΓé¼Γäót want anybody to get close to it.
Somebody probably brought it in as a pet and they either got away or people couldn├óΓé¼Γäót deal with it anymore.”
The last capybara spotting was when a man saw the rodent while feeding his horses. The capybara ate some hay, then chased after his dog. He fired a shotgun at the animal to protect his dog and then called wildlife officials after it left the property. When wardens came out to his home, there were footprints at the scene, but no sight of the capybara.
We don’t know what we’d do if we see one of these things go running by! They seem harmless, but it’s probably for the best to get them under control before they do harm any house pets.
[Image via L.A. Times.]
