20 Animals That Wallow In Mud Or Bathe In Dust

Wallowing in mud is a common behavior observed among many different species of animals. From elephants to pigs, wallowing in mud is a natural behavior that serves a variety of purposes, including regulating body temperature, protecting the skin from parasites, and providing a source of moisture during dry periods.

What is wallowing in animal husbandry?

In animal husbandry, wallowing refers to a behavior exhibited by some animals, particularly pigs and some other livestock, where they roll in mud or water to help regulate their body temperature and protect their skin from the sun and biting insects.

Why Animals Wallow in Mud or Dust

Mud and dust may look dirty, but for many animals they are essential tools. Wallowing is more than “playing in the dirt” – it is a key survival behavior.

Main reasons for wallowing

Temperature control: Wet mud or cool dust helps animals avoid overheating in hot climates.
Sun protection: A dry mud layer can act like natural sunscreen on bare or short hair skin.
Parasite defense: When dried mud or dust flakes off, it pulls away ticks, mites, and other parasites.
Skin and coat care: Rolling helps remove dead skin, loose fur, or excess oil.
Communication and scent marking: Some animals roll in shared wallows to leave their scent for others.

With that in mind, here are the species you listed and how each uses mud or dust.

20 Animals that are known to wallow in mud:

Many animals use mud and dust like natural sunscreen, bug spray, and even skin care. By wallowing or rolling, they cool their bodies, protect against the sun, and scrape off parasites or dead skin. Below is a detailed, reader‑friendly guide to 20+ animals that wallow in mud or bathe in dust, and why this behavior matters for their survival.

Large Mammals That Wallow in Mud

African elephant

African elephants are famous for their mud baths. They spray water on themselves first, then coat their bodies with mud using their trunks. This behavior:

Protects their skin from the harsh sun, acting like a natural sunblock.
Keeps biting insects away, because the mud forms a barrier over the skin.
Helps regulate body temperature when the mud is cool and damp.

In the dry season, muddy areas and waterholes become especially important, since elephants can also get moisture and minerals from the mud.

Hippopotamus

Hippos live in and around rivers, lakes, and swamps, and they often spend hours partly submerged or wallowing in mud. This:

Keeps their large bodies from overheating in the hot sun.
Protects their sensitive skin from drying out and cracking.
Helps shield them from insects that bite or lay eggs on the skin.

Even though they look lazy in their mud baths, hippos are actually doing serious work to keep their skin healthy.

Rhinoceros (white, black, and others)

Rhinos of many species use mud regularly. They roll in muddy pools and wallows whenever they can. Mud helps them:

Cool down, since rhinos are large and can overheat easily.
Prevent sunburn, especially on thin or hairless skin patches.
Reduce irritation from insects and remove parasites when the mud dries and falls off.

Black rhinoceroses, for example, may visit the same mud wallows repeatedly, turning them into important spots in their territory.

Buffalo (African buffalo and water buffalo)

Buffalos are also big fans of mud.

African buffalo roll in mud to protect their skin from biting insects such as ticks and flies. The mud layer acts like armor and, when dry, helps scrape off parasites.
Water buffalo spend time in muddy ponds and wet fields. Mud and water keep them cool in hot weather and protect their thin skin from sunburn.

Their wallowing behavior is especially common during the hottest times of day.

Moose

Moose usually live in cooler climates, but they still deal with biting flies, mosquitoes, and heat in summer. Rolling in mud or standing in shallow muddy ponds helps them:

Cool down when temperatures rise.
Get some relief from swarms of insects that attack ears, belly, and legs.

Mud on the skin and fur makes it harder for insects to bite directly.

Pig‑Like Animals and Mud

Pigs (domestic pigs)

Domestic pigs are almost a symbol of mud wallowing. They enjoy lying and rolling in muddy pits for several reasons:

Pigs do not sweat well, so mud helps them cool off when it evaporates.
Mud works as natural sunscreen, protecting their skin from sunburn.
A thick coating of mud discourages biting insects and helps remove parasites.

Even pet pigs benefit from shallow mud wallows or wet areas on hot days.

Warthog and wild boar

Both warthogs and wild boars are wild relatives of domestic pigs and share similar habits.

Warthogs are known for their mud baths, which help keep their skin cool in hot African savannas and prevent parasites from attaching. They often wallow after rain or near waterholes.
Wild boars use mud to regulate their body temperature and to protect their skin from parasites and sun. They may also rub against trees after wallowing to help scrape off dried mud and pests.

Mud wallows can also serve as social spots used by many individuals.

Red river hog

Red river hogs are colorful wild pigs from Africa. They prefer areas near rivers and swamps and often roll in mud to:

Cool themselves down in warm, humid forests.
Protect their skin from parasites like ticks and flies.

Their muddy coats also help them blend into the dark forest floor.

Peccary

Peccaries are pig‑like animals from the Americas. They usually live in hot, sunny habitats such as deserts or tropical forests. They wallow in mud to:

Cool their bodies when temperatures are high.
Get rid of parasites; dried mud pulls them away from the skin.

Peccaries often travel in groups and share muddy wallows, leaving them trampled and churned up.

Hoofed Mammals That Wallow or Dust Bathe

Horses

Horses sometimes roll in dust or dirt, especially after exercise or a bath. This might look odd, but it is very useful:

Dust helps keep their coats clean and shiny by absorbing extra oils and sweat.
Rolling loosens dead hair and skin, especially when they are shedding.
The dust may also help discourage some skin parasites and biting insects.

Some horses also enjoy rolling in light mud to cool down and scratch itchy spots.

Bovids and bison (cows, antelopes, bison)

Many members of the cattle family (bovids) use mud or dust baths.

Cows and some antelopes may lie or roll in muddy or dusty areas to protect their skin from the sun and help regulate body temperature.
American bison are famous for making “dust wallows.” They roll in dusty patches to:
- Help remove excess fur during shedding season.
- Protect against biting insects.
- Possibly spread their scent in the area.

These wallow pits can stay visible on the landscape for many years.

White‑tailed deer

White‑tailed deer are not as heavy mud users as pigs or buffalo, but they sometimes roll in mud or dusty soil. This behavior can:

Help mask their natural scent from predators, making them harder to track.
Provide some relief from insects or skin irritation.

Smaller muddy or dusty spots may also play a role in communication when combined with scent glands.

Other Medium and Large Mammals

Sloth bear

Sloth bears live in warm parts of Asia and often face high temperatures. They use mud to cool themselves down in hot weather. Rolling in mud or resting in muddy spots helps:

Lower their body temperature.
Protect them from insects while they search for termites and fruits.

Their furry coats can trap mud, creating a protective layer on the skin.

Capybara

Capybaras are the world’s largest rodents and live near water in South America. Besides swimming, they often roll in mud to:

Protect their skin from parasites, since they live in warm, wet environments full of insects.
Keep cool under strong sun when they are not fully submerged in water.

Mud and water are central to their daily life and social behavior.

Hyenas

Spotted hyenas sometimes roll in dust or lie in muddy areas. This behavior can:

Remove excess oils from their skin and fur.
Help them cool down during the hottest times of day.
Spread their scent on the ground, marking their territory.

Dust and mud, combined with their own scent glands, help hyenas communicate with other group members.

Tapirs

Tapirs are shy, forest‑dwelling mammals that love water and mud. They are known to roll in mud or water to:

Cool themselves down in tropical environments.
Protect their skin from parasites and biting insects.

They often use forest pools or river edges as natural bathtubs, leaving tracks and mud trails behind.

Camels

Camels live in deserts where water is scarce and temperatures are extreme. Instead of wet mud, they are more likely to roll in sand or dust. This dust bathing:

Helps remove parasites and dead skin from their fur.
Keeps their skin dry and cool by reducing extra oils and sweat.

Dust also helps protect them from sun and wind, acting almost like a dry “coat” over their bodies.

Birds That Use Dust or Mud

Ostrich

Ostriches may use loose soil or mud to care for their feathers and skin. They sometimes:

Sit and kick up dust or fine particles into their feathers to help control parasites.
Use muddy areas to clean and condition their feathers, especially in hot climates.

Dust and mud keep feathers in good shape and remove unwanted insects.

Cranes

Cranes use dust to clean their feathers and remove extra oils. Dust bathing:

Helps maintain feather health and shape, which is important for flying.
May also help with parasite control by drying out or loosening tiny pests.

Keeping their feathers in top condition is essential, especially during migration.

Barn swallows

Barn swallows use mud in a different way. Instead of bathing, they:

Collect small pellets of wet mud with their beaks.
Use this mud to build nests on walls, beams, or under bridges.
Rely on the mud to hold the nest together and provide insulation for eggs and chicks.

While they do not roll in mud, they depend on it as a construction material, showing another way animals benefit from mud.

Reptiles and Burrowing Creatures

Tuatara

Tuatara are ancient reptile species found in New Zealand. Instead of rolling on the surface, they:

Bury themselves partly in sand or dirt to regulate body temperature.
Use soil and burrows to avoid predators and extreme weather.

This behavior helps them warm up or cool down as needed, similar to a living thermostat using the ground.

How Mud and Dust Help Survival

Across all these species, similar themes appear again and again:

Heat control: Large animals like elephants, hippos, rhinos, buffalo, camels, and tapirs use mud or dust to avoid overheating.
Skin and feather protection: Mud acts like sunscreen and bug spray, while dust helps birds and mammals clean feathers and fur.
Parasite removal: Many animals rely on drying mud or dust to loosen and remove ticks, mites, and other parasites.
Camouflage and scent: Deer and predators sometimes use mud to mask or spread scent, affecting hunting and hiding.
Social behavior: Shared wallows or dust baths become social hubs where animals meet, play, and communicate.

Although mud and dust may look “dirty” to humans, for these animals they are powerful natural tools. Wallowing and dust bathing play a vital role in keeping them healthy, comfortable, and safe in their environments.

Pros and Cons of Wallowing in Mud:

Benefits to wallowing in mud for animals.

Thermoregulation – Wallowing helps animals regulate their body temperature, especially in hot weather. The mud or water cools the skin, which in turn cools the animal’s body. it helps to regulate body temperature. When animals are hot, they can roll in mud to cool themselves down.
Disinfect Wounds – Mud can have antibacterial properties, and it can help disinfect and soothe minor cuts and scrapes on an animal’s skin. By wallowing in mud, animals can help prevent infections and promote faster healing of minor wounds.
Prevent Ectoparasites – Many ectoparasites, such as ticks and fleas, are repelled by mud. Wallowing in mud can create a protective barrier that prevents these parasites from infesting an animal’s skin or fur.
Sexual Function Improvement – Some animals use wallowing as a form of social communication or to attract mates. For example, male elephants will cover themselves in mud and then display their newly-acquired coating to females as a sign of their virility.
Camouflage and Hide from Predators – In some cases, wallowing can help animals blend into their surroundings and hide from predators. For example, some birds will roll in dirt or dust to help camouflage their feathers.
Extract Nutrients – Some types of mud and soil contain essential minerals and nutrients that animals can extract through wallowing. These nutrients can help support overall health and well-being.
Sunburn Protection: Mud also provides a layer of protection for the skin, which can help to prevent sunburn and protect against parasites. Additionally, mud can provide a source of moisture during dry periods.

Potential downsides to wallowing in mud.

While wallowing in mud can provide many benefits for animals, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider:

Skin Irritation – In some cases, the abrasive texture of mud or dirt can cause skin irritation or even abrasions, particularly if the mud is contaminated with foreign objects or sharp rocks.
Increased Risk of Infections – While wallowing can help prevent infections, it can also increase the risk of certain types of infections, particularly if the mud or water is contaminated with harmful bacteria or parasites.
Increased Exposure to Toxins – Animals that wallow in polluted water or mud may be exposed to toxins and pollutants that can have negative health effects over time.
Risk of Getting Stuck – In some cases, animals may get stuck in deep mud or become trapped in muddy areas, which can be dangerous or even fatal.
Decreased Mobility and Predation – If the mud or water is particularly deep or sticky, it can make it harder for animals to move around, which can impact their ability to find food and avoid predators.

Dust Bath Vs Mud Wallowing:

While both dust bathing and mud wallowing are common behaviors observed in many different animals, there are some differences between the two.

Dust bathing involves rolling in dust or dirt to clean the skin and remove excess oils. This behavior is often observed in birds and small mammals, such as rodents. Dust bathing is a dry behavior and does not provide the same cooling benefits as mud wallowing.

Mud wallowing, on the other hand, involves rolling in mud or water to cool the body and protect the skin from parasites. Mud wallowing is more commonly observed in large mammals, such as elephants, hippos, and pigs.

While mud wallowing can provide a source of moisture during dry periods, it also carries the risk of skin infections if the mud is contaminated with harmful bacteria.

Summary

In conclusion, dust bathing and mud wallowing are natural behaviors observed in many different species of animals. These behaviors serve a variety of purposes and are adapted to meet the specific needs of each species.

Overall, wallowing is an important behavior that provides a range of benefits for animals. By rolling in mud or water, animals can regulate their body temperature, prevent infections, and protect themselves from predators and parasites, among other benefits.