On social media, many viewers were stunned by a viral video capturing a woman being attacked by a capybara while swimming in Colombia.
A shocking incident in Colombia shows a capybara attacking a swimmer in a lake. The unsettling encounter highlights the risks of interacting with wild animals, even those considered docile.
An unexpected attack in the water
A video captured the moment when a capybara launched itself at a woman swimming in a lake in Ciénaga, northern Colombia.
The woman initially raised a finger to ward off the massive rodent. Moments later, the animal jumped on her back, appearing to gnaw at her head.
She cried out in distress as the capybara pushed her underwater and out of view.
A man on the shore intervened, using a stick to defend her. She eventually reached the shore, sobbing, while the capybara calmly resumed swimming.
The incident sparked heated discussions online.
The shocking moment a woman was attacked by a capybara while swimming in Colombia left viewers stunned.
In the comments section, many viewers expressed their shock at the potential danger posed by capybaras.
@dailymailau This is the shocking moment a woman was attacked by a capybara while swimming in Colombia. In an instant it then jumped on her back and seemingly gnawed at her head before she went under the water. The woman’s cries could be heard as the large animal pushed her out of the frame while snapping at her. In a stroke of luck, a man arrived on the bank and grabbed a stick to defend the victim as she came to shore, sobbing. She continued wailing off camera as the massive rodent returned to bobbing quietly in the lake #rodent #creepy #animals #wildlife #capybara #capybaratiktok #shocking #dailymail #fyp #australia
♬ Creepy and simple horror background music(1070744) – howlingindicator
One local remarked, “Just because they seem calm doesn’t mean they aren’t wild animals.”
Another questioned the swimmer’s decision, asking, “Why would she swim with it?”
Social media user Lilith expressed disbelief, stating, “Aren’t capybaras supposed to be friendly?”
Nichi criticized the delayed response, saying, “Why did it take so long to help her? It was biting her head!”
Someone else said, I have NEVER heard of capybara attacking anything. They are so gentle crocs dont wven go after them most the time..
She didn’t even try to defend herself, another user added.
Understanding capybaras and their behavior
Capybaras are herbivorous rodents native to South America. They are typically docile but can bite when provoked or threatened.
These semi-aquatic animals can hold their breath underwater for nearly five minutes. Despite their size, they can run up to 22 miles per hour.
Capybaras weigh between 77 and 146 pounds and live around eight to ten years.
Additionally, capybaras hold a unique place in South American culture. In Venezuela, they are considered a delicacy, particularly during Lent.
Folklore claims Venezuelan clergy once persuaded the Catholic Church to classify capybaras as fish, allowing them to be eaten during Lent.
Capybaras have captured global attention through stories like Cinnamon, a capybara that escaped from Hoo Zoo in England.
After a week of freedom, Cinnamon was safely returned, sparking an online craze. The incident inspired merchandise, a children’s book, and even film rumors.
While capybaras are generally considered calm, the Colombian attack highlights the risks of engaging with wild animals. Respecting their nature and habitat is essential to avoid such incidents.