Giant ‘Rat’ Roams Florida Waterway

It's described as a giant rat. It's actually a capybara, the world's largest rodent. And one is on the loose in a Florida wastewater system. The capybara is native to South America and can grow to over 100 pounds. This one is apparently at least that weight and possibly more.

The Department Of Fish And Game in Paso Robles, Florida estimates this particular rodent at 100 to 120 pounds. It's been spotted in the wastewater treatment plant more than once. One worker described the capybara as 'not shy', and said the big rat would submerge and then swim back to the surface and make eye contact.

As to how this South American rodent found it's way into the wastewater plant in Florida, one theory is that it's an escapee from an area zoo, where two capybaras were on display several years back. For more on the story go to my source at MSNBC.com .