Capybara sighting: Just leave it alone, wildlife officials say

After news of a capybara sighting at the Paso Robles wastewater treatment plant spread Wednesday, wildlife officials warned curious hunters and trappers not to try to catch the animal.

Because the animal appears healthy and isn’t causing harm to the surrounding area, the policy of the Fish and Game Department is to allow the capybara to remain in the wild, spokesman Andrew Hughan said.

But that could change, Hughan said, if people go after the capybara.

“You can’t hunt that thing,” Hughan said. “If we see people out there with nets and traps trying to catch it, we may take a more aggressive stance for the protection of the animal.”

The department could also change its stance if any extra attention on the treatment plant causes operational or safety issues, Hughan said.

The goal, Hughan reiterated, is for the capybara to remain safely in the wild.

“We hope that it lives a happy capybara life in Paso Robles,” he said.