How Animals Beat the Heat

I’m sitting in my air conditioned house trying to find ways to avoid going outside because of the oppressive heat. I’m not exaggerating using that word: oppressive. In fact, there is an Oppressive Heat Warning for the Twin Cities area. It’s 98ºF with a dew point of 71. (I’ve decided I will try really hard to to be a good person because this is must be what hell is like.)

So, this got me wondering about what animals do when the weather is hot like this – they can’t get out of it like humans do, so how do wild animals deal with heat?

Sweat It Out: Horses sweat and dogs do too, but through their paws.

Getting the Heat Out: Sweating isn’t enough to cool off dogs, so they’ll also pant to release body heat. But dogs aren’t the only ones. Birds pant, too! Look for birds with their beaks open – they’re breathing hard to get rid of excess heat.

Shelter: Many animals will hide out, seeking shade under bushes or deep within trees. Or they'll go deep into lakes where the water is cool.

Protection: Some animals, like squirrels, use body parts to divert the heat. By exposing the lighter colored underside of the tail, less heat will be absorbed and the squirrel will stay cooler.

Damp by Choice: Even if they aren’t aquatic, many animals seek out water – birdbaths and sprinklers are welcome relief. And, if you’re a vulture, you’ll cool yourself down by urinating down your legs.

Lots of amazing strategies!

July 2: late afternoon
Just after posting the above content, I was watching the grey squirrels in my backyard. One was in the rose garden, stretched out - fully flat - on the bare ground. Earlier in the day, I had watered that garden. I think the squirrel was spreading out on the damp soil to cool off. It stayed like this for about 10 minutes, then went out into the yard and did the same thing on the lawn. Doin' whatever it takes to stay cool!