**Introduction:** Capybaras are often described online as they don't have natural predators or "friends with every animal". However, this is one of the most critical misconceptions: In reality, **the capybara is one of the most wanted prey animals of South American carnivores.** These are their natural apex predators, and avoiding them is a major part of their life in the wild. 40 kg to 70 kg (88 to 154 lbs) giant rodents doesn't make themselves "invincible", in fact, having a relatively large body makes them a perfect target for these predators in wild, South American habitats.

**Jaguars and Pumas:** The jaguar is one of the primary natural predator of adult and young capybaras. Jaguars are evolved for the wetlands and are one of the few predators capable of a successful aquatic ambush. Pumas do the same, but only targeting individuals grazing on land, further from the water's edge.

**Caimans and Anacondas:** Capybaras are semi-aquatic and they spend a great amount of their time in the water; the same environment where yacare caimans and the green anacondas live. A large, adult capybara might intimidate a small caiman, but younger individuals are frequently fall victim to caimans and anacondas.

**Ocelots and Crab-eating Foxes:** Crab-eating foxes and ocelots frequently target the nurseries. This is one of the key factors why capybaras evolved the complex alloparenting behavior we discussed in [one of the previous posts](https://www.reddit.com/r/capybaralife/comments/1unzxrz/alloparenting_in_capybaras/).

**Black Vultures and Harpy Eagles:** Large birds and vultures often observe capybara herds. They target the weak, the sick, or the newborn, waiting for a moment to swoop down.

By confidently saying capybaras have no predators we contradict the incredible evolutionary strategies they've developed to stay alive in one of the most competitive ecosystems on Earth.

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**Image Attribution:**

1. Gustavo Gaspari,

2. luc\_leuz

3. anudibranchmom

4. gabriel\_delasala

5. wilsonlombana

6. mael\_dewynter

7. nailsonjr17

8. tysmith

9. christoph\_moning

Capybaras Have... Plenty of Natural Predators