Can Bats Swim?
Yes, some bats can swim—though it’s rare and typically a last resort. While bats are not natural swimmers, certain species have been observed paddling to safety using coordinated wing and leg movements. However, swimming is not a preferred behavior and poses significant risks, including exhaustion, hypothermia, and drowning.
Dive Deeper
- Do Bats Have the Ability to Swim?
- How Do Bats Swim?
- Which Bat Species Are Known to Swim?
- Can Bats Swim Underwater?
- Risks of Swimming for Bats
- 🎯 Final Thoughts
- 📚 References
🌊 Do Bats Have the Ability to Swim?
Although rarely studied in depth, bats do possess the physical ability to swim. Accidental water landings have prompted several species to use their wings and hind limbs to paddle toward solid ground or vegetation. Observations suggest that the ability is more of an emergency survival mechanism than a natural behavior [1].
Most reports of bat swimming come from:
- Wildlife rehabilitators
- Cavers
- Researchers studying bat roosting behavior near bodies of water
🦇 How Do Bats Swim?
Swimming bats use a dog-paddle-like motion, with their wings spread out and legs moving in tandem. Unlike flying, where their wings create lift and propulsion in air, swimming relies on surface tension and water resistance.
Key observations:
- Wings act as paddles, sweeping backward through the water
- Legs provide directional control
- Head remains above water, showing intent to orient and navigate
| In a study by Herreid et al. (1968), bats submerged in shallow water instinctively began paddling toward the nearest edge [2].
🐾 Which Bat Species Are Known to Swim?
While many species might possess this ability, the behavior has primarily been documented in:
- Little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus)
- Big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus)
- Mexican free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis)
These species are frequently found near streams, ponds, and lakes, increasing the likelihood of accidental water exposure.
| In Southeast Asia, flying foxes (fruit bats of the genus Pteropus) have also been spotted paddling short distances when displaced from roost trees by storms [3].
🐬 Can Bats Swim Underwater?
There is no evidence that bats can intentionally swim underwater. Their physiology is adapted for aerial flight, not diving. Unlike aquatic mammals like beavers or otters, bats:
- Lack insulating fur for water
- Do not have nostrils that close underwater
- Are vulnerable to drowning if submerged too long
However, bats have been known to survive brief submersions, particularly when they can rapidly reach the water’s edge.
⚠️ Risks of Swimming for Bats
Swimming is a high-risk behavior for bats and typically only observed in accidental or distress situations. The primary dangers include:
- Exhaustion: Bats expend significant energy staying afloat.
- Hypothermia: Most bats lack the fat or fur insulation needed for cold water.
- Wing damage: Waterlogged membranes can tear more easily.
- Predation: Aquatic predators (like fish) may attack a struggling bat.
| According to bat rehabilitation centers, drowning is a common cause of death for bats that fall into water, especially when fatigued or injured [4].
🎯 Final Thoughts
While bats are aerial specialists, they do have the capacity to swim short distances when necessary. Observations of swimming bats—especially in species like the little brown bat—demonstrate a surprising level of coordination and adaptability. Still, swimming is a behavior of necessity, not preference, and often comes with serious risks. Understanding this rare behavior adds depth to our appreciation of bats’ versatility, but also highlights their vulnerability when displaced from flight.
📚 References
- Altringham, J. D. (2011). Bats: From Evolution to Conservation. Oxford University Press.
- Herreid, C. F., & Schmidt-Nielsen, K. (1968). “Swimming and diving in bats.” Science, 162(3849), 1100–1102. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.162.3849.1100
- Kunz, T. H., & Fenton, M. B. (Eds.). (2003). Bat Ecology. University of Chicago Press.
- Bat World Sanctuary. (2023). “What To Do If You Find a Bat in Water.” https://batworld.org/what-to-do-if-you-find-a-bat-in-water