Brazilian lawmakers experienced an unexpected presence in the Mato Grosso Legislative Assembly in Cuiabá on July 30, as a group of capybaras wandered into the government building.
The capybaras entered the state legislature, briefly shifting the focus away from an upcoming vote, and drew attention from workers and legislative staffers.
Video footage captured by a legislative staffer, Nayara Bueno, showed the animals moving calmly through the entrance while workers attempted to guide them outside.
The rodents' presence did not cause any damage to the Mato Grosso state legislature, officials stated, adding that the legislature borders a park that is home to wildlife.
Native to South America, capybaras are semiaquatic mammals commonly found near wetlands and other bodies of water.
Characterized as highly social creatures, they often travel in groups and can reach weights of about 175 pounds.
Capybaras have also gained popularity worldwide, with social media users frequently sharing their laid-back behavior around other animals and people.
