Are there any mammals or reptiles that cannot swim?

Answer 1

Of course. There are many species of primates that cannot swim (mainly apes). Hippos cannot "swim" either due to their body mass. To be able to move in the water they have to push off objects or the bottom. There are species of rodents that cannot swim (gopher is one i believe). There also some species of bats that cannot. There are a few more but not a ton. Mostly you will see that the young are not able to swim but as they get older they can, or else they are not "good swimmers" but if thrown into water they still can survive.

With reptiles there are some that cannot swim as well. Some lizards cannot if they drop their tail. In general tortoises cannot swim either.

Answer 2

Other than ignorant humans who would not try, reptiles and mammals as a general rule have a degree of ability to swim without being taught.

Answer 3

mammals. i read once that gorillas can't, something to do with thier necks.

reptiles i am not to sure about.

i know my answer is vauge, but so is the subject.
many animals don't come in contact with water except to drink, e.g. aboreal creatures. so without actually throwing the animals into water in a sink or swim scenario it is hard to give a definitive answer.
sorry

Answer 4

I've read that as a general rule tortises cannot swim, their feet have flat club-like endings. I'd have to add that sloths seem a likely candidate for not being able to swim either.

Hope that helps.

Answer 5

There are hundreds.