In an unexpected twist to their usual proceedings, Brazilian lawmakers at a state legislature found themselves in the company of some unexpected visitors.
On July 30, a cohort of capybaras wandered into the Mato Grosso Legislative Assembly located in Cuiabá, momentarily diverting attention from a planned vote as they roamed the facility.
Captured on video by legislative employee Nayara Bueno, the footage shows these large rodents tranquilly strolling through the building’s entrance, as staff members gently attempted to guide them back outside.
This isn’t the first time such an incident has occurred, with groups of capybaras regularly making their presence felt during voting sessions at the Brazilian state legislature. (UGC via AP)
“These capybaras are no strangers to us; we’ve grown accustomed to their visits,” Bueno shared with The Associated Press.
The rodents’ guest appearance did not cause any damage to the Mato Grosso state legislature, according to officials.
The animals appeared calm as they wandered through the front door of the local legislative building in Cuiaba. (UGC via AP)
The legislature borders a park that is home to wildlife, giving the animals easy access to the surrounding government complex.
Native to South America, capybaras are semiaquatic mammals commonly found around wetlands and other bodies of water. They are highly social, generally travel in groups and can reach weights of about 175 pounds.
The legislative building is located near a park filled with wildlife, where the capybaras had wandered away from. (UGC via AP)
The world’s largest living rodents have also become internet favorites, with social media users frequently highlighting their laid-back behavior around other animals and people.