Can Rats Swim Underwater?
WouterWhile a rat may be the least likely animal to swim underwater, they are still capable of swimming half a mile on open water. In fact, some rats seem to enjoy the water so much that they actually enjoy playing with it instead of swimming. And while most people associate rats with death and garbage, they are actually very sensible creatures. So, even if you do see a rat floating in the water, it would be best to not push it!
Although they don’t normally swim underwater, rats are capable of treading water for two to three minutes and can survive in a sewer for up to 3 minutes. This is an adaptation that allows them to survive in a variety of environments. Their long, thin tail helps them stay afloat, and their fur helps them keep warm even when submerged in water.
In order to determine if rats can swim underwater, researchers first need to use an appropriate animal model. This is called the Krogh principle and states that every research question has an appropriate animal. Rats are the perfect animal to study the diving response, because their brains are well-characterized. In addition, rats are also easily trained. In general, the training process can last up to six weeks. And, if the rats have undergone this process correctly, their brains will resemble those of adult rats.
Rats can swim underwater because they have a natural ability to swim. However, they will swim unsteadily at first, as they will paddle about in an uncoordinated manner. However, they will eventually reach their goal in a coordinated manner. The best way to teach a rat to swim is to gently lower it into the water while holding it from underneath. Then, allow the rat to swim away from the hand.
