How to help wildlife during a heatwave

This summer is yet another sizzler. As we experience scorching heat that sends us seeking out pools, air conditioning, and ice cream, it’s worth thinking about wildlife as well. When a heatwave comes, wildlife may not have access to places they can cool down in. Fortunately, there are things you can do to bring relief to wild animals as well.

Provide water, but not food.

With extreme droughts drying up watering holes and making animals feel even thirstier, a dependable source of water can be a lifeline. Fresh water is essential to survival, and many small animals may struggle or even die if they can’t find enough water within their range.

A bird bath is the perfect way to offer water to these animals, and you can make the bird bath even better with a “drip jug” above it. Drip jugs are jugs of water that slowly drip into the bath below it. The water makes a splashing sound which helps alert wildlife to the available water supply.

Although it may be tempting to feed the animals as well, this can actually reduce their chances of survival. Animals that become dependent on food from people can lose their fear of them and become aggressive. If they are fed near roads or other busy places, they are also more likely to be hit by a car.

As long as animals have access to clean fresh water, they should manage to handle a heatwave–food not necessary.

Plant a tree

Escaping from the heat can be hard if there is nowhere to go. Shade can help you feel cooler by avoiding solar radiation. Although the temperature is exactly the same, it will feel much better in the shade. A tree is a great addition to your yard, and will also help make you feel cooler too.

If this isn’t practical, even things like cardboard boxes can provide emergency shelter during hot weather–weighted down so it doesn’t fly off and spook the animals resting there.

Get Help for Heat Sick Wildlife

Hundreds of thousands of animals are dying from heat related illnesses every year. It’s possible that you may come across an animal that needs medical attention. If you see an animal behaving oddly, such as lying down in plain view or panting, it may be suffering from the heat.

If you see an animal in heat distress, call your local animal authority and report it. They may give you advise such as to relocate the animal to shade for a relatively harmless animal like a songbird, or come help if it is a larger animal.

Summers are getting hotter, and it’s likely animals will need our help now more than ever as our climate ever warms. These small gifts to nature can help in a truly profound way.