Why Do Squirrels Really Lay Down Flat When It's Hot Outside?

Have you ever spotted a squirrel sprawled out on its belly on a hot summer day? If so, you might have worried that the animal was injured, or even dead. But don't worry, this dramatic pose is just what squirrels do to cool off when it gets hot. The process is called "heat dumping" or "splooting," and it's just as useful as it is cute. 

While squirrels are designed to live outside, they do get overheated in extreme temperatures, just like us. These little animals are especially well designed for cooler temperatures, which allows them to live through winters without hibernating. However, their thick fur also keeps them hot, which isn't ideal on a hot summer afternoon. To add to the struggle, squirrels don't sweat (like many animals). Instead, they have to find other clever ways to cool down and regulate their temperature when the heat starts to climb. The squirrel's best bet is to lie down flat on a cool surface with its four legs spread out. And yes, we usually try to keep squirrels off our balconies and porches, but during a heat wave, it's hard not to feel a little sympathy for these cute and fluffy visitors. 

There's a simple reason why squirrels sploot to regulate heat: a squirrel's belly is where its fur is thinnest and lightest. Therefore, by lying flat on a cool surface when it's too hot, a squirrel is able to transfer some of its internal heat onto the surface and vice versa, which helps it cool down. It's simple thermodynamics! Any surface that's cooler than the hot air can do the job, including a branch, the ground in a shaded spot, or the railing of a porch. 

So, if you see a squirrel lying on its belly, should you do anything to help it cool down? While it may look distressed and in need of help, it's actually best not to come close to a squirrel while it's heat dumping. When seeing a human, it might get scared and try to run off, which will not only interrupt its cooling process but kick its internal heat back up. If you dislike having them around and you're trying to get rid of squirrels, consider some natural and long-term solutions, rather than scaring them off. 

If you want to help squirrels cool down through heat waves, consider putting out some water for them to drink from instead. Fill containers of different sizes with water and place them around the yard for different types of wildlife to be able to drink from them. Finding ways to protect your garden in a heat wave, like creating some shaded areas, is also a helpful way to help the local ecosystem during extreme weather.