11 Common Misconceptions About Anteaters (And You Probably Believed #7!)

8. Anteaters Don't Need Water

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Unbelievably, many people think that anteaters don't need water as they obtain all their moisture from the insects they consume. This is entirely untrue. Although anteaters do get some moisture from their food, they often drink water from different sources—streams, rivers, even puddles. They have been seen spending a lot of time not only for drinking but also for cooling off and personal hygiene close to water sources. Their life depends on water, especially in keeping their sticky saliva—which is vital for their feeding technique. Particularly in warmer areas, they also exploit water sources for thermoregulation; they have been known to be competent swimmers when needed to cross water bodies or flee predators.