Capybaras Wander Into Brazil's Mato Grosso Legislature

On July 30, a group of capybaras entered the Mato Grosso Legislative Assembly in Cuiabá, Brazil, just before a voting session. Legislative staffer Nayara Bueno recorded the animals moving calmly through the main entrance and attempted to guide them back toward the adjacent park. The rodents caused no damage to the building and left without incident.

Capybaras are native to South America, semi‑aquatic mammals that live in groups and can weigh up to 80 kg. According to Bueno, “they show up here quite often, so we’ve gotten used to seeing them.” Their unexpected appearance was shared widely on social media, adding another viral moment from Brazil’s largest living rodents.