How animals avoid overheating: Nature is amazing

While people can always use air conditioning systems and fans, animals have to cope with overheating differently - and they are pretty successful!

To avoid overheating, animals use their natural adaptations, and also some useful habits that can make hot summers more bearable.

Here are a few curious ways of how animals stay cool.

Panting

Dogs are known for panting when they're too warm. 

Panting involves rapid breathing, which helps dogs release heat. When they exhale, moisture from their breath evaporates, helping them cool off.

Seeking Shade

Birds and reptiles, like lizards and turtles, often seek shade on hot days. 

The shade provides relief from direct sunlight, reducing their risk of overheating. 

Some birds, like sparrows, also flutter their wings to create shade for themselves.

Burrowing

Many animals, such as rabbits and meerkats, dig burrows in the ground. 

These underground shelters are cooler than the surface, providing a refuge from the scorching heat. 

Animals can retreat to their burrows to avoid overheating during the hottest parts of the day.

Basking

Cold-blooded animals, like lizards and snakes, bask in the sun to raise their body temperature. 

However, they're careful not to overheat. They will move to the shade or into cooler areas when they get too warm.

Spraying Water

Elephants have a unique way of staying cool. They use their trunks to spray water on themselves and sometimes even throw mud on their bodies. 

As the water or mud evaporates, it cools their skin, helping them beat the heat.

Heat-reflecting Fur

Polar bears are specially adapted to their icy environment. 

Their fur appears white because it reflects the sun's heat rather than absorbing it. 

This helps them stay cool in the Arctic while they hunt for seals on sea ice.
 

• Related news:
• nature
• summer
• evolution
• pets
• 16 October 2023

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