Staying Cool:
* Finding shade: Squirrels will seek out shady spots under trees, in bushes, or even in burrows during the hottest parts of the day.
* Staying active at dawn and dusk: They are most active during the cooler hours of the day, often spending the middle of the day in cooler, shaded areas.
* Panting and licking: Like dogs, squirrels pant and lick their paws to evaporate moisture and help cool themselves.
* Finding water sources: While they can get some moisture from their food, squirrels will seek out water sources like puddles, streams, or birdbaths to drink.
Food Adaptations:
* Eating more nuts: Squirrels hoard nuts during the fall and winter, but they still need to supplement their diet in the summer. They'll consume more nuts, seeds, and fruits that are available in the warmer months.
* Focusing on insects: Summer offers an abundance of insects, and squirrels will take advantage of this readily available protein source.
* Finding new food sources: They might also find new, summer-specific foods like berries, mushrooms, and buds.
Other Adaptations:
* Nesting in cooler areas: Some squirrels might shift their nest locations to cooler areas like tree hollows or under eaves.
* Shedding their winter coat: They shed their thick, winter coat to allow for better air circulation and cooling.
* Staying hydrated: As mentioned earlier, squirrels will drink more water in the summer to stay hydrated.
These adaptations allow squirrels to thrive in the heat of summer, ensuring they stay cool, fed, and healthy until the cooler months return.