Wildlife Pros — Jacksonville, FL
Capybara Removal in Jacksonville, FL
Capybaras are the world's largest rodents — semi-aquatic grazers that erode pond banks, destroy landscaping, and attract predators. Wildlife Pros removes them humanely and efficiently.
Capybaras in Jacksonville — An Emerging Nuisance Species
The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is the world's largest rodent, native to South America, and increasingly reported in Northeast Florida. Escaped or released pets and small breeding populations have established a foothold in the region. Adults weigh 77–146 pounds and are highly semi-aquatic, spending most of their time in or near water. In Jacksonville, capybaras are most commonly encountered near retention ponds, golf course water features, the St. Johns River floodplain, and suburban lakes — particularly in communities bordering natural areas.
Capybaras cause significant property damage. Their heavy grazing strips pond banks and shoreline vegetation bare, accelerating erosion. Their large burrows and wallowing depressions destabilize earthen berms and seawalls. They are also a powerful attractant for apex predators including alligators, bobcats, and coyotes — bringing additional wildlife pressure onto your property. Florida Fish & Wildlife classifies capybaras as a Class III wildlife species; removal requires a licensed nuisance wildlife trapper. Wildlife Pros uses large live traps and exclusion strategies to remove capybaras and prevent re-entry.
- Capybaras are the world's largest rodent — adults weigh 77–146 pounds
- They are semi-aquatic and require permanent access to water to survive
- Heavy grazing strips pond banks bare, causing rapid shoreline erosion
- Large wallowing depressions and burrows destabilize seawalls and berms
- Capybaras attract alligators, bobcats, and coyotes to your property
- Florida classifies capybaras as Class III wildlife — removal requires a licensed trapper
- A single female can produce 4–8 young per litter, with multiple litters per year
- Capybaras are highly social — where one is seen, a group is usually nearby
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Wildlife Pros — In the Field
Frequently Asked Questions
Are capybaras dangerous to people or pets?
Capybaras are generally not aggressive toward humans, but their large size (up to 146 lbs) means they can cause injury if cornered or protecting young. More significantly, they attract genuinely dangerous predators — alligators in particular are drawn to areas where capybaras are present. Small pets are at elevated risk in any area with capybara activity.
Can I keep a capybara I find on my property?
No. Florida classifies capybaras as Class III wildlife. Possessing one without a proper permit is illegal. If you encounter a capybara on your property, do not attempt to capture or feed it — call Wildlife Pros for licensed removal.
How do you remove capybaras?
We use large live traps baited with fresh vegetation and fruit, positioned along the water's edge where capybaras travel. Once captured, animals are relocated in accordance with Florida Fish & Wildlife regulations. We also assess your property for attractants and recommend bank stabilization or exclusion measures to prevent return.
How much does capybara removal cost in Jacksonville?
Cost depends on the number of animals, property size, and access to the water feature. We provide free on-site assessments. Call 1.904.717.0718 or use our contact form for a same-day quote.
Capybara on Your Property? Call Wildlife Pros Today.
Don't wait — capybaras cause rapid bank erosion and attract alligators. Our licensed trappers serve all of Jacksonville and Northeast Florida. Call 1.904.717.0718 for a free assessment.