CUIABA, Brazil (AP) 鈥� One state legislature has increasingly found its voting sessions invaded by a group of unexpected visitors: capybaras.
The notoriously chill rodents strolled through the front door of the local legislative building in Cuiaba, in the central state of Mato Grosso, and surprised lawmakers who prepared for a vote last week. The building sits next to a park filled with wildlife.
Staffer Nayara Bueno filmed the unexpected visit of the rodents that are native to South America on July 30 and tried to lead the mammals to turn around and head back to the park.
鈥淭hey show up here quite often, so we鈥檝e gotten used to seeing them,鈥� Bueno said.
Capybaras have surged in global popularity online due to their remarkably calm demeanor and highly social nature. As semi-aquatic animals, they thrive near rivers, lakes and wetlands, often living in groups and growing to weigh up to 80 kilograms (175 pounds).
Their visit caused no damage to the Mato Grosso state legislature.
Copyright © 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.
