Ah, So That's Where My Pet Capybara Went

From Slate:

A capybara, the world’s largest rodent, is loose in California. The rodent, which officials estimate weighs between 100 and 120 pounds, was photographed last month outside of a wastewater treatment plant in Paso Robles. The semi-aquatic rodent is native to South America and normally isn’t found in the U.S. outside of a zoo. Capybaras can grow to the size of a large dog and typically prefer swampy habitats. Local officials say that someone probably had one as a pet before either losing it or letting it go.

Nibbles! I've been looking for you everywhere! Thank God you're safe.

Fish and Game spokesman Andrew Hughan told the paper that while the rodents are “weird-looking,” they normally aren’t dangerous. As a result, officials have no plans to set traps for the beast unless hunters or trappers go after it. "You can't hunt that thing," Hughan said.

No kidding. And yet, when I think about it, this might actually be only the second most disturbing thing I've ever seen in Paso Robles.