How To Help Wild Animals Survive A Heat Wave
When the heat rolls in and the air feels like it’s pressing down on everything, we head inside to crank the AC or sip a cold drink. But wild animals don’t have that luxury. They’re stuck out in the heat, searching for shade, water, and safety. And sometimes, they just can’t find what they need on their own. That’s where we come in. There are little actions that we can take to help these animals survive outside. If you’ve got a yard, a balcony, a bit of sidewalk, or even just a window, there’s something we can all do to help animals survive in extreme heat.
Offer Water In A Safe Way
A shallow bowl of water on a shady corner of your porch or garden might not seem like much, but to a thirsty squirrel or tired bird, it can be life-saving. Put water in a container that’s low and wide so small animals don’t drown, and put a few stones in for bees or butterflies to land on. Refresh the water daily if you can, and keep it out of direct sun to avoid boiling it. If you’ve got pets, make sure the water you put out for wildlife stays out of their reach. We want to make sure all animals are staying safe, no matter how friendly your pet may be.
Create A Patch Of Shade
Even the smallest patch of shade can be a haven for wild animals. An overturned flowerpot, or a tilted piece of cardboard can provide just enough shelter from the sun for a chipmunk or a toad. You don’t need to redesign your backyard, just let things grow out and be a little more relaxed for a bit. Messy can be good when it comes to nature, as sometimes a few weeds and tall grass are exactly what animals need.
Don’t “Rescue” Unless You’re Sure
It’s heartbreaking to see a panting bird or a fawn lying still in the sun. But before swooping in, take a breath and think. Many animals conserve energy by resting during the hottest parts of the day, and young ones especially may appear alone, even if they haven’t been abandoned. Unless the animal is clearly injured, in distress, or in immediate danger (like lying in a road or baking on hot pavement), it’s best to give them space and keep an eye on them from afar. Helping doesn’t always mean stepping in. Sometimes, especially with wild animals, it’s better to wait, watch, and call a professional if the animal might need help.
Keep Your Yard Low-Noise
During heatwaves, animals are already stressed enough. Loud noises, leaf blowers, and barking dogs only add to it. If you’re able, consider holding off on major yard work or outdoor parties during major heat waves, not that you’d want to be outside anyways. Keep feeders and water dishes in quiet, calm areas, so that animals aren’t scared away. You want animals to know that your yard is a safe place for them to rest so that they’ll come in and drink the water and enjoy the shade that you’ve left for them.
Don’t Use Poisons, Even The “Natural” Kind
I get it, insects can be annoying, especially during the summer. But using poisons to get rid of insects can have a bigger impact than many people realize. Birds eat those bugs, as do frogs and small mammals. And when those insects get poisoned, it climbs up the food chain fast. Try skipping the insecticide sprays and traps when it’s hot out. Instead, focus on removing standing water where mosquitoes breed and keep your compost well-managed. Sometimes just letting things be is the safest way for everyone to get through the heat.
Let Your Lawn Go A Little
Lawns are heat traps. When they're flat, trimmed, and water-hungry, they don’t offer much relief to wildlife. But if you let a corner of your yard grow wild or replacing some grass with native plants, you can help create microclimates. Microclimates are little pockets of cooler, shadier space where bugs, birds, and bunnies can find relief. Even a pot of native flowers on an apartment balcony can offer a bit of pollen and some shade to a tired insect or bird.
Watch Where You Put The Water
Birds are drawn to water to cool off during the heat, but if you put a bowl of water near a window, be mindful of reflections. Birds may not see the glass and can crash into it, hurting or killing themselves. Hanging a sheer curtain or sticking on window-safe stickers can reduce glare and make the glass more easy to see. It’s a small thing that can save a bird’s life.
One Last Thing
The natural world isn’t something completely foreign, it’s all around us. Even in cities, people live side-by-side with all kinds of animals. And when the weather gets hot, it doesn’t take much effort to look out for your animal neighbors. We can’t control the weather, but we can offer a bit of shelter from the storm (or in this case, the sun). Because we’re all just trying to survive the summer heat together.