Bats are the only mammals capable of true, sustained flight. Although their existence is primarily aerial, the definitive answer to whether they can swim is yes. This ability is not a primary mode of transport, but rather a necessary skill used when they accidentally fall in or, for a few specialized species, as a hunting technique.
The General Swimming Ability of Bats
When a typical bat finds itself submerged, it utilizes its specialized forelimbs, or wings, as paddles. The thin, flexible wing membranes, normally used for flight, function effectively as flippers in the water. This movement often resembles a modified breaststroke, allowing the bat to generate forward momentum.
The physical motion involves the bat using its forearms to push against the water, essentially dog-paddling toward the nearest solid surface. Most bat species are not naturally inclined to enter the water, performing this action only out of necessity. Their swimming ability is an instinctive, temporary effort to escape a life-threatening situation.
Specialized Aquatic Bats and Hunting Techniques
A small number of species intentionally interact with the water, most notably the Greater Bulldog Bat (Noctilio leporinus), also known as the fisherman bat. This bat’s diet relies heavily on aquatic prey, such as fish and large insects. This reliance has led to unique physical and behavioral adaptations, including unusually large hind feet equipped with long, sharp, curved claws.
These specialized bats use echolocation to detect minute ripples on the water’s surface, which indicate the presence of fish. The bat then descends, flying low to the water, and drags its elongated feet and claws through the surface to snatch the prey. This intentional skimming is distinct from full immersion, though the species is also a capable swimmer. The bulldog bat’s hunting strategy may also involve random trawling, where it drags its claws over a productive area for several meters, maximizing its chances of a catch.
Emergency Swimming and Water Hazards
For most bat species, entry into the water is accidental and often occurs while attempting to drink. Bats typically drink mid-flight, skimming the surface of a pond or river to take a quick sip, a maneuver that occasionally goes awry. Misjudging the distance, colliding with an obstacle, or being blown off course can result in the animal becoming fully submerged.
While a bat can swim short distances to safety, deep or cold water presents significant hazards. The bat’s dense fur quickly becomes waterlogged, adding considerable weight and drastically increasing the energy required for swimming. This exhaustion, combined with the risk of hypothermia, can quickly become fatal. Artificial water bodies like swimming pools often have steep, smooth sides that prevent the bat from climbing out, trapping the exhausted animal.