Escaped Capybara ‘Probably Living Her Best Life’

Suburban escapee not expected to survive winter

Animal welfare group offers tips on how to spot and report escaped pets

An escaped capybara is “probably living her best life” in the wild after fleeing her suburban enclosure in New South Wales, an animal welfare group has said.

The large rodent was spotted bounding through bushland in Sydney’s Hills district on Tuesday, after escaping from a property in the suburb of Glenorie.

The owner told media the animal had been living on his property for the past six months after being purchased from a breeder.

The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is a native of South America and the largest rodent in the world, known for its semi-aquatic lifestyle and vegetarian diet.

It is not native to Australia, and is considered an invasive species if released into the wild.

The Hills District Animal Welfare League posted a photo of the escaped capybara on its Facebook page, asking for help from the community in locating the runaway rodent.

The group said it was “unlikely” the capybara would survive the winter in the wild, as it was not acclimated to the cold and was not a natural predator or scavenger.

The animal welfare group advised people who spot the capybara to contact them immediately, so they can attempt to capture and relocate it.

The group also urged people to report any other escaped exotic animals they see in the wild, as they can pose a threat to native wildlife and ecosystems.

In June, a pet wallaby escaped from its enclosure in the Blue Mountains and was later found dead after being hit by a car.

The Hills District Animal Welfare League said it was important for people to keep their exotic pets secure, as they may not be able to survive in the wild if they escape.

The group said escaped pets can also pose a danger to people, as they may be scared or aggressive if they are not used to being around humans.

If you see an escaped exotic animal, do not approach it. Please contact the Hills District Animal Welfare League on (02) 9654 5441 or the RSPCA on 1300 222 544.