Paul Manaigre, age 12, of St. Boniface, Manitoba, Canada, for his question:

WHERE DOES THE CAPYBARA LIVE?

Our friend the capybara, who looks like a small pig or a large guinea pig, lives in eastern Panama and in South America east of the Andes. Four feet long and weighing more than 100 pounds, the capybara is the largest rodent in the world.

Coarse hair of reddish brown or gray on the upper parts and yellowish brown on the under parts covers the capybara's thick body. He has a large head and a blunt, square muzzle. He has a short tail and his hind legs are longer than those in front. He has webbed toes and is an excellent swimmer.

The capybara grazes near lakes and rivers and heads for the water at the first sign of danger. Jaguars consider him a favorite food item.