Capybara rescued from construction pit in Brazil

A capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) was safely rescued after falling into a three-meter-deep pit at a construction site in Iguatemi, a city in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

Local residents contacted the Environmental Military Police (PMA) through WhatsApp to report the incident.

The rescue team quickly arrived at the scene and found the wild animal trapped but with no visible injuries.

Using safe capture techniques, officers were able to remove the capybara from the pit without causing it harm.

After a brief health check confirmed the animal was in good condition, it was released back into its natural habitat, an area of vegetation near where the incident took place.

Accidents involving wildlife are common in regions near forests, rivers, or expanding urban zones.

According to the PMA, it's essential to call the appropriate authorities when encountering wild animals in distress, and to avoid taking any action that could put the animal or people at risk.

“If you find an injured animal or one that is out of its natural environment, avoid direct contact and immediately notify the Environmental Military Police so that the rescue can be done safely,” said officer Afranio Matos.