Bats Can Swim And They’re Surprisingly Good at It

Move over, Michael Phelps. The animal kingdom’s latest swimming sensation might just have wings.

A viral video from Chandigarh, India, has left scientists and nature enthusiasts buzzing after capturing a bat paddling through water with the finesse of a seasoned swimmer.

Let’s be real: When you think of bats, you imagine eerie night flights or Halloween decor – not front crawl.

But this clip proves even the quirkiest creatures can defy expectations.

“Wait, Bats Can Do That?!”

The footage, shot at Chandigarh’s famed Rock Garden – a labyrinth of artificial waterfalls and sculptures – shows a bat thrashing in a shallow pool before smoothly transitioning into a coordinated swim.

Its wings act like miniature oars, slicing through the water as it heads toward the edge. Spoiler: It makes it. (Cue collective sigh of relief.)

But how did it end up there? Experts suspect the bat was likely mid-sip when things went sideways.

Bats drink by skimming water surfaces mid-flight, using echolocation to navigate.

Think of it as a high-speed drive-thru run. But as Joy O’Keefe, director of the Bat Center, explains, “They’re basically playing a game of chicken with swimming pools.”

When Thirst Leads to Splashdown

O’Keefe has spent years studying why bats end up in pools – and why many tragically drown.

Her surveys across the U.S. reveal a grim reality: Bats often misjudge their approach, crash into pool walls, and can’t escape.

“They need a runway to take off, like an airplane,” she told Inside Science. “If they hit a wall, they’re stuck.”

But the Chandigarh bat? Pure resilience. While its exact mishap is unclear, the Rock Garden’s rocky pools and waterfalls suggest it might have clipped a ledge mid-drink.

“Bats aren’t built for swimming, but they’ll do whatever it takes to survive,” says O’Keefe.

Not All Bats Fear Water – Some Even Dive for Dinner

Hold up – this isn’t just about accidental dips.

The Smithsonian Museum notes that certain species, like the Pteropus (a.k.a. flying foxes), intentionally take the plunge.

These fruit-loving megabats, often found on islands, sometimes brave water to snag floating snacks.

Imagine a watermelon chunk drifting offshore, and a hungry flying fox saying, “YOLO,” before going full Michael Phelps.

“A forced landing or a foray over water to collect fruit might necessitate a swim,” the Smithsonian explains. Translation: Desperation breeds innovation.

But Seriously, How Do They Swim?

Bats aren’t exactly hydrodynamic. Their wings, designed for flight, double as paddles in emergencies.

In the Chandigarh video, the bat’s movements resemble a doggy paddle – wings pushing water backward to propel forward.

Researchers say this technique, while energy-intensive, works well enough for short distances.

Still, don’t expect synchronized swimming leagues. Most bats avoid water unless absolutely necessary.

As one Reddit user joked, “This is like finding out your grandma can breakdance. Cool, but why?!”

The Dark Side of Pool Culture

O’Keefe’s research highlights a growing conflict between bats and human-made landscapes.

Swimming pools, with their steep edges and smooth walls, are death traps. Her team estimates thousands of bats drown in U.S. pools annually.

Simple fixes – like adding ramps or textured edges – could save lives. “Bats are drinking from pools all over the country,” she says. “We need to make these spaces safer.”

Why This Matters Beyond the ‘Aww’ Factor

Bats are ecological superheroes. They pollinate plants, control insect populations, and even boost agriculture.

A single bat can eat up to 1,200 mosquitoes an hour. So, their survival isn’t just about cute viral videos – it’s about ecosystem health.

Yet, misinformation persists. “People think bats are aggressive or dirty, but they’re shy and vital,” says O’Keefe.

The Chandigarh video, while startling, offers a chance to reframe the narrative: Bats aren’t just spooky sky rodents.

They’re survivors – even when life throws them a curveball (or a swimming pool).

What’s Next for Science?

The footage has sparked fresh curiosity. How many bat species can swim? Do they learn from each other? Could climate change push more bats into aquatic scenarios? Scientists are eager to explore these questions – and the public’s newfound fascination helps.

As for the Chandigarh bat? Let’s hope it’s back to its nightly routine: dodging obstacles, snacking on fruit, and maybe – just maybe – showing off its secret swimming skills to friends.