My name is Lars Andersen. I am an outdoor guide in north Florida. Recently, on an exploration of a beautiful, remote section of the upper Santa Fe river, I stopped on an open sandy bank on the riverside to rest. Across the river, beyond the trees lining the river, there was a large grassy meadow. The sun was setting and I was enjoying the play of light and colors on the tall grasses and trees as they swayed in the breeze. Suddenly, what I had taken for a stump started to move. I could not tell what it was, but I was fairly certain this was nothing I had ever seen in over thirty years of exploring Florida's wildest areas. I quickly shed most of my clothes and slipped into the water carrying only my camera (unfortunately it was one of those cheap disposable deals with no frills). On the far bank, I slipped up behind a large live oak tree and peekad around. There, to my amazement, was a capybara. I had seen enough National Geo specials and Wild Kingdom episodes to recognize it right away. It was still 50 - 60 feet away, but I took a picture anyway. Just in case. Then I got down on all fours and crept towards it. As I approached it slowly sauntered toward the nearby tree line. By the the time I came within camera range, he was into the trees. I took another picture. This startled him and he started moving quicker toward the river. Realizing this encounter was quickly coming to an end, and wanting just one good picture, I sprinted after it. I heard a splash and as I reached the water I could see the ripples where he had gone in. Just then his head popped up the surface. He looked at me and in an instant was under again. I never saw him again. With darkness fast approaching, I could not spend any more time waiting for him to reappear and headed on.

     The next day I contacted a wildlife officer. To my amazement he told me that there was a population of capybaras that have recently escaped captivity in north Florida and are apparently thriving in our sub-tropical climate. One colony is said to be comprised of nearly 60 individuals. I intend to find out more about them and spend some time observing them. If you or any of your members are ever in north Florida give me a call and I'll let you know what I've found out. If you don't mind getting dirty and wet, we could possibly even hike or kayak out and see if we can spot somne. I can be reached at (904) 454-0611. Or you can E-mail me at riverguide2000@yahoo.com.  I also have a website for my store. It is wwwadventureoutpost.net Give us a call!

Sarasota, Florida, Capybara report:

Sunday, June 8th, 2001, a roadkill discovered by a park ranger from Myakka
River State Park was identified as an adult capybara. The animal was
killed on State Road 72, just east of the Myakka River Bridge. The
bridge crosses the river at a large floodplain marsh.

Paula Benshoff
Park Naturalist
Myakka River State Park