Wandering capybaras have made repeated incursions into the Mato Grosso state legislature in Cuiabá, Brazil, interrupting voting sessions. The large, semi-aquatic rodents have been observed casually entering the building and navigating its interior.
In one instance last week, capybaras surprised politicians as they were preparing for a vote. Nayara Bueno, a staffer, captured video footage of two capybaras walking across the legislature's tiled floor, appearing to be on official business. Bueno assisted in guiding the animals, which can weigh up to 175 pounds, out of the building and back to a nearby park.
"Since there’s a lake right in front of the assembly, there are usually a lot of them," Bueno told The New York Times. "At dusk they always cross the street and head over to the assembly building because in front, there’s a fountain that’s always running. So, they’re always hanging around there, eating the grass and wading into the fountain."
Capybaras are known for their calm demeanor and social nature, and they typically inhabit areas near rivers, lakes, and wetlands. The Mato Grosso state legislature reported no damage resulting from these unexpected visits.