Do you know which animals can swim? Think again! Some of the most surprising creatures in North America aren’t just great at running, climbing, or flying—they’re also unexpectedly fantastic swimmers. From crafty coyotes to giant bison, these animals prove that when nature calls, even the least likely creatures take the plunge. Let’s dive into the wild world of animals that’ll make you rethink what it means to be a “good swimmer!”
1. Puma (Mountain Lion): Stealthy, Powerful…and a Secret Swimmer!
Mountain lions—also known as pumas, cougars, or panthers—are sleek, stealthy, and fearsome predators. They’re kings of the land, but did you know they can swim? Yep! These big cats have been spotted crossing rivers and lakes, often while hunting or fleeing danger. Despite their impressive climbing skills and ability to cover vast stretches of rugged terrain, pumas are surprisingly at ease in the water. They’ll use their strong legs to paddle through rivers if needed. They’re so good at swimming that some pumas have been known to hunt along riversides, waiting for prey to cross. Talk about being versatile!
2. Bison: Big, Burly, and Totally Into Swimming (Who Knew?)
You probably picture bison as huge, lumbering creatures grazing peacefully in fields, right? Well, here’s the twist: these massive beasts are fantastic swimmers! Bison have been spotted making long, powerful crossings of rivers, even when the current is strong. Their bulk might seem like a disadvantage, but their muscular build helps them power through water. They’ve been known to swim across lakes or rivers during migrations and are surprisingly graceful in the water. One thing’s for sure: if a bison can handle a swim, it’s a true testament to just how adaptable and strong these wild giants are.
3. Armadillo: The Tiny Tank That Can Swim? Yep, It’s True!
Flickr
If armadillos were playing a game of “who’s the toughest,” you’d probably vote for their tough, armor-plated exterior. But here’s a jaw-dropper: armadillos can swim! Yes, these tough little creatures can paddle across streams and rivers, with their hard shell acting as a natural buoyancy aid. They’re not Olympic swimmers, but when needed, they can hold their breath and swim short distances. They’re even known to float across the water, traveling from one patch of land to another. Armadillos don’t just look like little armored tanks—they can cruise through the water like tiny, scaly submarines!
4. Coyote: The Wild Card Swimmer You Didn’t Know You Needed
Shutterstock
Coyotes are typically associated with deserts and open plains, but here’s the kicker: they’re surprisingly strong swimmers. These crafty animals, often portrayed as land hunters, actually use swimming as part of their survival toolkit. Coyotes have been spotted crossing wide rivers and lakes, all to explore new hunting grounds or escape danger. Their speed on land is impressive, but when it comes to swimming, they can keep pace across water just as well. Think of them as the ultimate survivalists—they’ll run, swim, or even climb to make sure they’re always one step ahead. It’s no wonder they’re considered one of nature’s most adaptable creatures!
5. Squirrel: Tiny Swimmer, Big Surprises!
Shutterstock
Squirrels are known for their acrobatic tree-climbing skills and lightning-fast reflexes, but here’s a surprising twist: these little guys can swim! While you might not often see a squirrel in the water (unless it’s a surprise dip), they can easily paddle across short distances when needed. Whether it’s to escape predators, forage for food, or simply explore a new territory, squirrels have been spotted making their way through lakes and streams. They won’t swim long distances like some animals, but they certainly have the skills to keep afloat. It’s just another quirky survival tool in their toolbox!
6. Moose: Graceful Giants Who Swim Like Pro Athletes
Shutterstock
Moose are enormous and can appear somewhat clumsy, so it’s hard to imagine them gliding through the water with ease. But believe it or not, these gigantic mammals are excellent swimmers! Moose can swim up to six miles at a time if they need to cross lakes or rivers. Their long legs and powerful bodies make them surprisingly agile in the water. They use their immense strength to swim long distances in search of food, like aquatic plants, or to simply cool off. Imagine a moose leisurely swimming through a lake, completely at home in the water—talk about a gentle giant!
7. Deer: Don’t Let Their Grace Fool You, They’re Aquatic Athletes!
When you picture a deer, you probably imagine them gracefully bounding through fields or browsing the forest floor. But did you know these elegant creatures are also fantastic swimmers? Whether it’s a stream, river, or even a pond, deer can swim across with surprising speed. Their strong legs help them navigate through the water, and they’ve been known to cross rivers up to 100 yards wide! Deer swims not just to escape predators but also to find new feeding grounds or safer territory. With their natural grace, these forest dwellers are as much athletes in the water as they are on land!
8. Wild Turkey: Gobble Gobble…Splash Splash?
iStock
It’s hard to picture a wild turkey doing anything but strutting around in the woods or gobbling loudly, but believe it or not, wild turkeys are quite the swimmers! These birds take to the water without hesitation, crossing streams and ponds in search of food or to escape predators. They’ve been spotted paddling across small rivers like they’re in a relaxed Thanksgiving parade float! Wild turkeys aren’t the most graceful swimmers, but they get the job done. So next time you spot one, don’t be too surprised if it starts flapping into the water instead of just running off into the woods.
9. Raccoon: The “Wet Bandit” You Never Knew Could Swim!
Raccoons are the mischievous little bandits of the animal world, and it turns out they’re also skilled swimmers! These crafty creatures are often seen poking around in water sources, fishing for food, or just swimming around in search of new territory. Their dexterous paws are perfect for paddling through water, and they’ve been spotted navigating rivers and lakes in search of snacks. Whether they’re fishing for tasty critters or escaping danger, raccoons are the ultimate “wet bandits” of the animal kingdom—proving they’re not just skilled at stealing food, but at swimming too!
10. Opossum: The Unexpected Survivor Who Swims Like a Champ
YouTube
Opossums are famous for their “playing dead” act, but did you know these quirky creatures can swim too? They’re quite capable in the water, using their long tails for balance and their legs for paddling. While they’re not often spotted swimming, opossums have been known to cross rivers or streams in search of food or to escape danger. They can float for quite a while, and they’re pretty agile when it comes to navigating water. Who knew the “roadkill” expert of the wild could also be a water survivalist in disguise?
11. Beaver: Nature’s Aquatic Engineer!
Beavers are the true engineers of the animal kingdom, but their skills don’t end with dam-building. These furry little architects are also expert swimmers! Their webbed feet and waterproof fur make them perfectly adapted for life in the water. Beavers can spend hours swimming and diving, all while maintaining their elaborate dams and lodges. They are so good in the water that they’ve been known to swim for miles at a time, even though their primary focus is on building. It’s just part of their water-loving lifestyle. If beavers had a motto, it would probably be: “Work hard, swim harder.”
12. Swan: Graceful But Surprisingly Strong Swimmer
Known for their elegance and beauty, swans glide across ponds and lakes like majestic ballerinas, but did you know they are excellent swimmers? Swans use their powerful wings to paddle gracefully across the water, keeping their sleek bodies buoyant. Their ability to swim long distances and dive for food is just another layer of their graceful nature. So, if you see a swan casually dipping below the surface for a snack, don’t be fooled by their poise—underneath that beautiful exterior is an incredibly strong swimmer that can dominate the water just as well as any fish!
13. Penguin: The Rock-Star of Swimming Birds!
iStock
If you’ve ever seen a penguin waddling on land, you might not immediately think of it as a swimmer. But penguins are some of the best swimmers in the animal kingdom! These adorable, flightless birds are built for swimming with their sleek bodies and powerful flippers, which act like wings underwater. Penguins can swim at incredible speeds, diving deep to catch fish, and they’re often seen darting through the water like underwater torpedoes. Whether it’s navigating icy waters or evading predators, penguins are total rock stars when it comes to aquatic life!
14. Otter: The Swimmer You Couldn’t Forget
Otters are practically built for the water, with sleek bodies and webbed feet designed for swimming. These playful critters are often seen swimming, diving, and even floating on their backs in lakes, rivers, or coastal waters. Whether they’re hunting for food, socializing, or simply enjoying the water, otters are one of the most graceful and fun-loving swimmers in nature. They can hold their breath for extended periods and dive to impressive depths, demonstrating their mastery of the water. If you ever see an otter swimming, you’re witnessing one of nature’s finest aquatic athletes at work.
So, there you have it—15 animals that’ll make you say, “Wait, they swim too?” Whether it’s for survival, food, or just a little fun, these creatures have mastered the art of swimming in their own unique ways. Next time you spot one, remember: they’re not just running around or climbing trees—they’re secretly aquatic adventurers, too! Keep your eyes peeled—you never know when a wild swimmer might surprise you!
