Squirrels stretch out on the ground to dissipate body heat into the environment during the San Francisco Bay area's record-breaking heatwave. This behavior, known as "splooting," is "freaking out" people.
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Splooting Squirrels Freaks People Out in Bay Area
Some individuals have expressed worry about the safety of the squirrels after observing them lying abnormally flat on the ground.
Alison Hermance, a WildCare employee in San Rafael, said per Newsweek that they have been getting plenty of complaints concerning overheated animals, particularly worries about squirrels stretched out flat."
Fortunately, wildlife authorities emphasize that the behavior-however peculiar it may seem-is an entirely natural reaction to excessive heat and nothing to worry about.
According to The Independent, squirrels have been observed splooting all across the country as the temperatures have risen this summer. As extreme heat poured over the state of Texas, observers watched squirrels sprawled out in the classic sploot pose on stone and sidewalks.
The New York City Parks Department tweeted in August to reassure New Yorkers that the squirrels they had spotted frolicking in the city's parks were safe.
If you see a squirrel lying down like this, don't worry; it's just fine. On hot days, squirrels keep cool by splooting (stretching out) on cool surfaces to reduce body heat. It is sometimes referred to as heat dumping. pic.twitter.com/pD1T3lPbBH
— NYC Parks (@NYCParks) August 9, 2022
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Splooting Explained
Splooting is an adverse reaction to intense heat. SFGate said there aren't many ways to stay cool if it's 107 degrees outside and you're wearing a fur coat. Splooting is one of them for animals with fur, such as squirrels.
Squirrels stretch out on the ground and stop moving when they sploot. Getting as much of their surface area in touch with the earth as they can is their aim. This aids in cooling them down by releasing heat from their bodies into the surroundings. "Heat dumping" is another name for splooting.
It turns out that splooting is a typical habit that occurs naturally. Animals like bears and even dogs do it, as do squirrels.
Consider a moment when you stretched out on your bathroom's tile floor on a hot day or placed your hand on a frigid marble cutting board. The similar action is being performed by splooting squirrels, except using their entire little bodies.
What to Do if You See A Splooting Squirrel
You don't need to do anything if a squirrel is splooting.
Authorities said that splooting is OK for squirrels and that nothing should be done to interfere with them while they do their endearing thermoregulatory duties. (And perhaps post a TikTok.)
Amid a recent heat wave, New York City received so many complaints about splooting squirrels. The city had to use Twitter to reassure residents that the rodents were "perfectly fine" and beg people to stop phoning in to report hot mice.
However, the squirrel can be in more danger if it is a young one or looks to have fallen from a tree or nest. Call Lindsay Animal or WildCare for assistance if you believe a squirrel is hurt rather than simply splooting; both organizations provide hotlines for wildlife injuries.
However, if the sploozing squirrel doesn't seem harmed, they are most likely just attempting to relax.
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