Life Cycle

Capybara are sexually mature around 18 months old. The breeding time for capybaras take place in the water and occurs all year round.

The gestation of a capybara is about 150 days. The female will give birth to a litter of up to seven young. Newborns weigh about 2-3 pounds, are able to see, and are completely covered in hair. A few hours later, the young can stand and run. Within the first week, the young are able to eat grass, but still primarily rely on the mother's milk for the first few months. They are eventually weaned off the milk at about a year old. All of the females in the group share the duty of providing milk for the young, as well as protecting and caring for them.

They can live about 4-8 years in the wild, and around 12 years if in captivity.