Here's why:
* Thick fur: Their thick fur coat, while excellent insulation in winter, actually traps heat during the summer. Getting wet would make them even hotter.
* Mud and dust baths: They prefer to wallow in mud and dust, which help to:
* Absorb heat: The mud and dust act as a barrier between their skin and the hot air.
* Protect from insects: The mud and dust also deter pesky insects.
* Evaporation: They do use a form of evaporative cooling by panting and licking their fur, which helps to remove heat.
So, while you might see buffalo in muddy wallows, they're not going for a swim to cool down! They use other methods, like mud baths and panting, to stay comfortable in the heat.