Photos: Texas family keeps world's largest rodent as indoor pet Despite his 120-pound size, Chico is afraid of the family's chihuahua, they say.

Chico, the 2-year-old 120-pound Capybara from Texarkana owned by Jackie Coleman Wren. Chico, the 2-year-old 120-pound Capybara from Texarkana owned by Jackie Coleman Wren. Photo: Jackie Coleman Wren Photo: Jackie Coleman Wren Image 1 of / 44 Caption Close Photos: Texas family keeps world's largest rodent as indoor pet 1 / 44 Back to Gallery

Rodents tiptoeing into American homes are typically met by the lethal snap of rat traps, but a 120-pound critter in Texarkana is welcomed by hugs, home-cooked meals and fanfare.

Jackie Coleman Wren is the proud owner of Chico, a Capybara, a species National Geographic has dubbed "the world's largest living rodent."

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According to the International Union for conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), the semi-aquatic critters are natives of South American places like Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia and Ecuador, but Chico — who's not so "chico" — has been hanging out on the Texas state line with the Wren clan since 2014.

"I've always had a tendency towards rodents or unusual animals," Wren, who also keeps possums and raccoons as pets, told mySA.com. "I grew up on a farm, so I never really developed a fear of different types of animals. Rodents have always been intelligent to me and very misunderstood."

She drove 11 hours to Pearland to pick up Chico when he was just 10 days old and weighed about 4 pounds; the two year old is now 120 pounds and growing. He can grow until he is 6.

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Wren estimates about a dozen or fewer Capybaras are kept as pets in the U.S. and said the area where she lives does not require a permit to own one, but he does require specialized veterinary care.

Chico is part of Texas A&M University's research team, which keeps record of his dimensions and health. Wren also works with the Rodents of Unusual Size Fund (ROUS), organized in an effort "to better understand more about the diseases that threaten the life and health" of Capybaras.

Capybara's made headlines during the Rio Olmypics when they took over golf courses.

Along with the attention from researchers, the "spoiled" rodent basks in the hoopla he receives from everyone in their area — including those Wren said camp out near their backyard to get a peek at him.

"He looks like a gerbil on steroids," Wren quipped, adding that despite his size, he's afraid of her chihuahua.

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His best friend and "pet," a mini-pig named Darla, is his right hand in bearing the exposure that has landed appearances in shows around the world including Animal Planet and the BBC. He watches over her in return.

"Oh god, he (Chico) takes care of her," Wren said with a laugh. "He's trying to teach her to roll around in the mud, but she's such a princess, she's a little diva."

Besides the chihuahua, Wren said Chico meshes well with all her animals, and even her grandchildren, who he lets hold on to him as he swims the "train" of kids around their pool.

When Chico is not busy keeping others entertained, he enjoys himself by watching the Dallas Cowboys play and Tosh.O and dressing up in costumes, some of which he uses to impress blonde-haired women.

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"He likes to go riding and he whistles at blondes," Wren said. "I say 'stop it Chico, stop it!"

Wren said she has learned to accept Chico's gnawing, rodent nature, which leaves her curtains and comforters in shreds. He also has taken a liking to tearing up his Pittsburgh Steelers jersey, partly due to nesting, but mostly because he just doesn't like the team, she said.

When the swimming, dressing up and hitting on ladies is done, Chico retires to a warm bath and belly rubs.

Meet the gold chain-wearing, blonde lady-loving Chico by clicking through the gallery above.

mmendoza@mysa.com

Twitter: @MaddySkye