Capybaras take their turn as the holiday season's 'it' animal

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The world’s largest rodent is having a big moment.

The capybara – a semi-aquatic South American relative of the guinea pig -- is the latest in a long line of “it” animals to get star treatment during the holiday shopping season.

Shoppers can find capybara slippers, purses, robes and bath bombs. There are cuddly plush capybaras and stretchy or squishy ones. Tiny capybaras wander across bedding, T-shirts, phone cases, mugs, key chains and almost any other type of traditional gift item.

Last year, it was the axolotl that took pride of place on many products, and the endangered amphibian remains popular. Owls, hedgehogs, foxes and sloths also had recent turns in the spotlight.