Squirrels are nimble creatures known for leaping between trees and scurrying up trunks. But can they swim? If you’ve ever spotted a squirrel near a lake or river, you may have wondered if these bushy-tailed rodents take to the water.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Yes, squirrels can swim. While not natural swimmers, squirrels are able to dog paddle short distances to cross bodies of water or escape predators.
In this approximately 3,000 word article, we’ll take an in-depth look at squirrel swimming capabilities. We’ll cover topics like:
* How well squirrels are able to swim
* Why squirrels sometimes need to swim
* Interesting examples and videos of swimming squirrels
* The best squirrel species for swimming
* Dangers squirrels face when swimming
How Well Can Squirrels Swim?
Squirrels Use the Dog Paddle to Keep Their Heads Above Water
When squirrels do swim, they employ the classic “dog paddle” technique to propel themselves through the water while keeping their little heads and noses above the surface. Much like dogs or humans, squirrels will paddle with alternating front feet while their back feet trail behind.
Their big, bushy tails provide extra buoyancy to keep their rears afloat.
Since squirrels lack significant waterproofing like duck feathers or otter fur, they can get weighed down easily by wet fur. So the dog paddle allows them to swim efficiently but not very far before needing a rest.
Squirrels Prefer To Wade or Float Rather Than Swim
More often than full-on swimming, squirrels will simply wade or float through shallow water as needed to get to food sources or escape predators. Their light frame and fluffy fur allows them to stay on the water’s surface surprisingly well.
In fact, squirrels have been observed “floating” or “water walking” across pools or flooded areas upwards of 20 meters long. Their tails and feet drag beneath to propel them while their upper bodies stay dry.
Squirrels Tire Quickly and Can’t Swim Long Distances
Considering their small size, squirrels tire easily from swimming and struggle with long distances. Most squirrels wouldn’t choose to voluntarily swim more than a few meters maximum. Exceptions could include extreme hunger, curiosity/exploration of new areas, or panic to evade danger.
One study observed eastern gray squirrels swimming up to 13 meters (source). But fatigue forced them to stop and rest multiple times. Attempts at greater distances led to drowning.
Why Squirrels Swim
To Cross Rivers, Streams or Ponds
Squirrels are incredibly agile creatures that can leap impressive distances between trees. However, sometimes squirrels encounter obstacles like rivers, streams or ponds that are too wide to jump across.
When this happens, swimming becomes the only option for the squirrel to reach food, shelter or a mate on the other side.
Squirrels are actually quite capable swimmers due to their light body weight and bushy tail which helps them stay afloat. Their claws also provide traction when swimming so they can paddle efficiently.
According to wildlife experts, squirrels have been observed swimming across bodies of water over 30 feet wide!
Some common reasons squirrels will take the plunge and swim across water obstacles include:
- Accessing nut and acorn caches the squirrel has buried.
- Reaching potential den sites or dreys (nests) to safely raise their young.
- Migrating to find more abundant food sources.
- Seeking shelter from extreme weather or predation.
- Reuniting with a mate or expanding their territory.
So next time you spot a squirrel getting its paws wet, it’s likely trying to efficiently overcome an aquatic obstacle barring the way to critical resources.
To Escape From Predators
Squirrels may also take to the water to flee predators on land. With many hungry animals like hawks, foxes, bobcats and snakes hunting squirrels, they have to be constantly vigilant and ready to evade attack.
If danger strikes on land, squirrels may opt to dive into the nearest body of water to escape. The buoyancy provided by their furry coats and tails allows squirrels to swim swiftly away from the threat.
Common squirrel predators that may spur an aquatic getaway include:
- Hawks, falcons and eagles – These birds of prey can swoop down from above.
- Foxes – Foxes are crafty hunters and fast runners.
- Bobcats – Bobcats are excellent climbers and can also ambush from below.
- Snakes – Snakes can strike quickly and some species are even excellent swimmers themselves!
Taking to the water is a clever survival strategy to help squirrels avoid becoming dinner for a hungry predator. The added protection of the trees along the shore gives squirrels an advantage once they make it across.
Falling Into Water Accidentally
Sometimes squirrels end up in the water completely by accident! These agile acrobats spend most of their time darting along branches high up in the trees.
Expert leapers and climbers they may be, but mistakes still happen. Squirrels can occasionally misjudge a jump and overshoot a branch, or a branch can break underneath them. This may send the surprised squirrel plunging into a river, pond or puddle below.
In these accidental water landings, swimming is the squirrel’s only way to get back on dry land. Their natural buoyancy and swimming reflexes kick in, allowing them to paddle to safety.
Some scenarios where a squirrel may accidentally fall into water include:
- A clumsy juvenile misses a branch leap.
- A weakened branch snaps under the squirrel’s weight.
- The squirrel’s paws slip on a wet surface.
- High winds knock the squirrel off its perch.
Though scary in the moment, most squirrels recover quickly from an unexpected dunking. After a bit of frantic paddling and fur straightening, they’re usually ready to scamper back up the tree and continue their nutty business.
Interesting Examples of Swimming Squirrels
Videos of Squirrels Swimming in Backyard Pools
One of the most amusing places to spot a swimming squirrel is in a backyard pool! YouTube and social media are full of funny videos showing squirrels taking a splash. One video with over 2 million views shows a squirrel frantically paddling around a family’s pool to the laughter of the human “lifeguards” watching.
Another viral clip captures a squirrel doing laps back and forth across a pool, looking like an Olympic athlete in training. There’s even footage of a squirrel plunging down a backyard waterslide like he’s at a squirrel waterpark!
Squirrels are clearly drawn to the fun of frolicking in pool water on hot days.
But backyard pools can also prove dangerous for squirrels if they can’t climb out. One dramatic video shows a man rescuing a stranded squirrel from drowning in his pool with a pool skimmer. The grateful squirrel scurries away, soaked but unharmed.
So if you spot a swimming squirrel in your pool, be sure to provide it with a way to safely exit. Ramps, pool stairs, or skimmers can prevent an unintentional squirrel pool party from turning tragic.
Squirrels Swimming Across the Grand Canyon
One famous place you may spot swimming squirrels is the Grand Canyon! Squirrels are abundant on both rims of the canyon, but the only way across is to take an epic swim. According to park rangers, squirrels will frequently make the daring leap into the turbulent Colorado River, paddling up to 100 yards between north and south rims.
With canyon walls towering up to a mile high, this is no leisurely dip in the pool!
Watching a tiny squirrel brave whitewater rapids and massive waterfalls in the mighty Colorado river is an incredible scene. Their powerful instinct for survival allows them to withstand daunting obstacles.
Over 60 squirrel species worldwide have adapted the ability to swim, helping them access food and escape predators. But crossing the Grand Canyon takes this skill to the extreme. Not every squirrel survives the exhausting journey, but many complete the crossing successfully.
The extraordinary swimming feats of Grand Canyon squirrels never cease to amaze tourists and park staff alike!
These remarkable accounts show how intelligent and adaptable squirrels can be, even in water. Whether plunging down backyard waterslides or traversing one of the seven natural wonders of the world, squirrels are clearly far better swimmers than most people imagine!
Their aquatic adventures never fail to entertain and inspire us.
Best Squirrel Species for Swimming
River Squirrels
The river squirrel, also known as the oriental giant squirrel, is one of the best swimming squirrels. This impressive rodent inhabits parts of Southeast Asia and can grow up to two feet long from head to tail!
River squirrels have a streamlined body and strong hind legs that propel them through the water. Their large fluffy tail acts as a rudder, helping them steer as they swim. River squirrels build their dreys (nests) along riverbanks, and swim across rivers and streams with ease.
Researchers have observed river squirrels swimming for up to 20 minutes at a time, an amazing feat for such a small mammal. With their natural affinity for water, river squirrels are definitely one of the top swimming squirrels.
Fox Squirrels
The fox squirrel is another strong swimmer in the squirrel world. These chunky tree squirrels are found throughout eastern and central North America. Fox squirrels have been spotted crossing rivers over 330 feet wide – that’s more than a football field length!
Their loose skin and long flat tails probably help propel them through the water. Fox squirrels appear to swim at a leisurely pace, not as fast as river squirrels, but still impressively far. Next time you’re near a river or lake, look for a fox squirrel braving the waters.
You may get to witness their talented swimming skills.
Southern Flying Squirrels
While flying squirrels can’t actually fly, they do have an advantage when it comes to swimming – patagia. These stretchy flaps of skin connect a flying squirrel’s front and back legs, essentially giving them built-in flippers for gliding through the air and water.
The southern flying squirrel is the most aquatic species of flying squirrel. They have a flattened, rudder-like tail adapted for swimming. Southern flying squirrels are found near swamps and rivers along the Gulf Coast and southeastern states.
Their membrane allows them to swim efficiently across waterways. Next time you visit a coastal forest in the southeast U.S., watch the tree canopy for a southern flying squirrel leaping gracefully from branch to branch with help from its swimming-friendly patagia.
Dangers Squirrels Face When Swimming
Drowning
While squirrels are quite adept at swimming, they still face the risk of drowning if they get exhausted or encounter rough waters. Baby squirrels in particular have underdeveloped muscles and can tire out more easily when swimming long distances.
They may lack the strength to keep themselves afloat and get to safety if they fall into deep waters.
In one unfortunate incident reported by wildlife rescuers, a baby squirrel drowned after falling into a backyard pool that did not have ramps for the animal to climb out. Installing escape ramps and covering pools when not in use can prevent such needless tragedies.
Predators Like Snakes or Hawks
Swimming also leaves squirrels vulnerable to predators like snakes, hawks, coyotes, bobcats, and raccoons. Since the squirrel is in the open waters, it loses the advantage of fleeing quickly and hiding that it has on land.
One study found over 20 species of hawks and eagles that prey on tree squirrels. Their superior aerial vantage point and sharp talons make attacking a swimming squirrel easier. Likewise, water snakes can strike before the squirrel reaches land or overpower weaker baby squirrels.
Hypothermia
Prolonged exposure to cold waters brings the risk of hypothermia. Squirrels do not have thick layers of fat to provide insulation in water. Their dense fur coat also gets weighed down when wet, making swimming more challenging. This causes them to tire faster.
Research shows that hypothermia sets in when a squirrel’s body temperature drops from the normal 100°F to 94°F. In cold waters, this can occur in minutes. Hypothermia impairs muscle movement, eventually causing drowning if the squirrel cannot get to dry land fast enough to warm itself.
Providing rope bridges over water bodies near your home can help squirrels cross while minimizing their time in open waters. Monitoring any wildlife struggling in waters and calling emergency rescue may also save lives.
Conclusion
While squirrels won’t be competing in any Olympic swimming events, they have evolved the ability to doggie paddle short distances when needed. Their climbing and gliding adaptations make them better suited for navigating trees than open water.
But in a pinch, squirrels can call on their swimming skills to escape threats or access resources.
The next time you spot a squirrel around water, keep an eye out for its unorthodox but effective swimming stroke! With quick, churning paws and a head held high above the surface, squirrels are able to overcome their lack of webbing and adapt to brief stints in rivers, lakes or pools.
