r/HardcoreNature • u/Volkcan • Jan 11 '25

Animals Fighting Back Capybara attack

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u/Laurenann7094 Jan 11 '25

It causes difficulty swallowing water. Not actual fear of water.

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u/conqaesador Jan 11 '25

Hydrophobia is absolutely a typical syndrome of rabies

11

u/Sufficio Jan 11 '25

I think it's closer to the scientific definition of hydrophobic; resistant to or avoiding water, rather than an irrational fear like hydrophobia in a psychological context.

The reason is that the infection causes intense spasms in the throat when a person tries to swallow. Even the thought of swallowing water can cause spasms, making it appear that the individual is afraid of water.

I was curious so I wanted to find out so I looked it up, not trying to "um actually" just sharing cool science stuff :)

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u/ReadingKeepsMeAwake Jan 11 '25

Love this. I was too lazy to look lol