9 land animals you didn’t know were natural-born swimmers

3. Moose

Moose may look clumsy, but they’re great swimmers. They often wade into lakes or rivers to munch on underwater plants. Some moose can even dive several metres deep to find food!

4. Camels

It’s hard to picture a camel in water, right? But yes — even camels can swim if needed. In parts of the world where deserts meet rivers, people have seen camels crossing the water without much trouble.

Kangaroos are known for hopping, not swimming, but they can hold their own in water too (Image credit: Pixabay)

5. Kangaroos

Kangaroos are known for hopping, not swimming, but they can hold their own in water too. They use a doggy-paddle kind of style and often swim to get away from predators.

6. Snakes

Not all snakes are land-bound. Many species, like rat snakes and pythons, are strong swimmers. They glide across the water using their whole body in an S-shape motion.

7. Bears

Whether it’s a brown bear or a black bear, they can all swim well. Bears often swim to catch fish or cross rivers while roaming their territories.

8. Sloths

You’d never guess it, but sloths are better swimmers than walkers! They’re three times faster in water than on land. They swim using a breaststroke-like motion and can even hold their breath for a few minutes.

9. Crocodiles

We usually think of crocs in rivers, but they often come on land too. In water, they use their powerful tails to move fast and quietly. Their eyes and nose sit on top of their heads, so they can stay mostly hidden while swimming.