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Capybara - Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris

Florida's Nonnative Wildlife. Species detail.

Large rodent from South America that might have originated from escapes from a wildlife research facility. Population size, trends, and impact on native species are unknown. Although not reported breeding in the wild, sightings are not uncommon, and a breeding population may exist.

County	First Year	Extirpated Year	Breeding status	Notes
ALACHUA	2000		Not reported breeding	Some animals reportedly escaped from captive herd in 2001
BRADFORD	1990s		Not reported breeding
UNION	1995		Not reported breeding	Animal killed on Interstate 10 in 2001
SARASOTA	2001		Not reported breeding	Adult animal killed on State Road 72 just east of the Myakka River bridge (P. Beshoff, FDEP, Myakka River State Park, personal communication)

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