Capybaras Uninvitedly Interrupt Brazil State Legislature Vote

Brazilian lawmakers faced an unexpected interruption as they prepared for official business inside a state legislature. Several uninvited guests walked the halls of the Mato Grosso Legislative Assembly in Cuiabá on July 30 without causing any trouble. A small group of capybaras entered the building and briefly drew attention away from an upcoming vote while exploring the government complex.

Video captured by legislative staffer Nayara Bueno shows the animals moving calmly through the entrance as workers tried to steer them outside. "They show up here quite often, so we've gotten used to seeing them," Bueno told The Associated Press. Officials confirmed that these visitors caused no damage to the legislature. The facility borders a park home to wildlife, which gave the animals easy access to the surrounding government complex.

Native to South America, capybaras are semiaquatic mammals commonly found around wetlands and other bodies of water. They are highly social creatures that generally travel in groups and can reach weights of about 175 pounds. These world's largest living rodents have also become internet favorites, with social media users frequently highlighting their laid-back behavior around other animals and people.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.