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    Dasyproctidae – Agoutis & acouchis

    Giant yet much lovable rodents of South and Central America

    Their long, slender legs add to the air of grace that characterizes their physique. The length of the back legs is much greater than that of the front ones. Although they prefer to forage alone, these creatures have been spotted around abundant food sources in small groups. In this family, the incisors, premolars, and molars are all present, but the canine tooth is absent.

    Within an hour of birth, most newborn animals are able to take their first steps. They will elevate one forefoot, make a series of low grunts, squeaks, or barks as an alarm, and then stamp their feet and flee the area if they perceive danger. These creatures typically make their homes on the shores of rivers, where they burrow into the sand.