What type of animal is this?

Question

I just go back from a vacation in Mexico on the Yucatan peninsula. There were these little brown animals running around on our resort property. They were the size of possums. Ate by holding food in their front paws. Looked like rodent family, but resort staff said they were members of the pig family. They called them something that started with the letter "C". Any help?

Update:

I'm pretty sure, based on pictures I have, that it is a capybera. It is just smaller and with a smoother coat than some of the pictures I have seen.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I'm sure I'm spelling it wrong, but its a "Capibara." Looks kinda like a beaver with out the tail? They are not i the pig's family, but they are related to the Guinea Pig. They are the largest rodents in the world!!


Heres a site with a pic:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capibara



Edit: 
Yes they actually do eat food with their front paws, much like a racoon does.

Anna E · Answer

I think they were probably Cavy's, which are in the same family as capybara's and guinea pigs.  Capybara's are much larger than possums, but Cavy's would probably be about the right size.

Chiappone · Answer

Sounds like a Coati (Coatimundi). They're awesome critters

Anonymous · Answer

Catamundeys...they kind of look like possums like me, only they are not as smart.

Elizabeth H · Answer

Coati

EDIT - "Capybara." don't eat food holding it in their front paws

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What type of animal is this?

5 Answers