Spotting a cat by the roadside is pretty normal in Malaysia. A capybara casually sitting on a road divider, however, is a sight that would make most of us look twice.
That was what Threads user @eijadd_ came across, sharing a video and image of the animal sitting on a grassy divider with a collar around its neck.
While its unexpected appearance amused some netizens, others were more concerned about its safety so close to traffic.
Spotted near Selayang Hospital
In the post, the OP asked who was keeping the animal and how it had suddenly ended up by the road.
They also jokingly asked whether a capybara was a cross between a rat and a pig, prompting several users to explain what the animal actually is.
The images show the capybara beside a black-and-white kerb, opposite a bus stop bearing the sign “Perhentian Bas Lebuhraya Selayang Kepong”.
In a reply, the OP clarified that the sighting was near Selayang Hospital.
One commenter claimed to recognise the animal and said its owner had a shop in Selayang Jaya. The OP replied that it was usually seen around that area, making its appearance near the hospital surprising.
However, the screenshots do not establish who owns the capybara or how it ended up there.
‘Please keep it safe’
Although the capybara appeared calm in the video, several netizens worried that it could wander into traffic.
One commenter urged whoever was responsible for it to keep it somewhere safe, pointing out the possibility of it being hit by a vehicle or attacked by a dog.
Another said that while the sight initially seemed cute, seeing it roaming without apparent supervision was worrying.
Others echoed similar concerns, saying their issue was not that the capybara was disturbing anyone, but that something could happen to it.
One user also suggested reporting the sighting to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia, better known as PERHILITAN.
The screenshots provided do not show whether the animal was subsequently collected or reunited with its owner.
Capybaras are rodents, not pigs
For anyone wondering about the OP’s question, a capybara is not a cross between a rat and a pig.
According to San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, capybaras are the world’s largest living rodents and are closely related to guinea pigs. Despite their rounded bodies and pig-like appearance, they are not pigs.
Native to South America, capybaras are semi-aquatic mammals, meaning they spend time both on land and in water. They are herbivores that mainly feed on grasses and aquatic plants.
They are also well adapted to swimming. Their partially webbed feet help them move through water, and they can remain underwater for up to five minutes to hide from predators. Capybaras generally live in groups, making social interaction another important part of their lives.
Dr Zulkifli joins the comments
The discussion also drew a reply from Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri, who addressed concerns about touching the animal.
In a pinned comment shown in the screenshots, he wrote: “Water pig. It can be touched.”
He also shared a link to an Al-Inarah article titled “#1508 Touching Capybara”.
His reply addressed the religious concern raised by the animal’s commonly used name. It should not be taken as an invitation to approach or handle an unfamiliar animal roaming beside a road.
Report sightings instead of trying to catch it
If you come across an animal like this near traffic, keep a safe distance and avoid chasing or attempting to catch it yourself.
Note the location and, if it is safe to do so, take a photo to help identify the animal when reporting the sighting.
Members of the public can contact PERHILITAN at 1-800-88-5151 or submit a report through its online complaints system.
As adorable as this unexpected roadside visitor may be, getting it somewhere safe matters more than getting a closer photo.
