WESTCHESTER COUNTY #
WESTCHESTER COUNTY #
Have you ever wondered where common critters like raccoons and squirrels go when it gets too hot outside? When the intense heat and humidity of summer get the best of us, we can easily go back inside our nice air-conditioned homes, but the wild animals lurking in our backyards and forests can’t say the same. So how do these critters keep their body temperatures stable while the weather gets hotter and hotter?
Raccoons, much like dogs, don’t have sweat glands anywhere except on their paw pads, so these mammals will stay cool by panting. Raccoons will often seek shelter inside man-made structures to hide from the heat, like sheds, barns, chimneys, attics, and more. Raccoons will also nest high up inside hollow trees to protect themselves from the harsh summer temperatures. Raccoons will also jump inside streams, ponds, and pools to cool off. If you have a bird bath on your property, you might see a raccoon cooling off inside it. If your yard provides ample shade and undergrowth to hide from the sun, raccoons might be taking this opportunity as well. These critters often avoid the sun altogether during the hottest months, choosing instead to sleep in their dens and only come out at dawn and dusk.
During the winter, squirrels are armed with heavy, bushy coats that can withstand frigid winter air. They shed this excess fur for the summer, allowing them to cool down. Squirrels will also stay high up in trees or shaded areas, staying out of direct sunlight. Squirrels might also be spotted exhibiting a behavior known as “splooting”, where they find cool surfaces such as concrete or dirt and lay down flat on their stomachs, with their legs spread out. This process transfers heat away from their bodies, and many squirrels have been spotted doing this in parks and on roofs across the country.
Snakes are cold-blooded reptiles, which means they cannot survive in extreme heat for long. Snakes can only stay in the heat for a few minutes at a time, so when the harsh temperatures of summer take over, snakes will begin searching for cover. Snakes will spend time in tall grass, underneath rocks, underneath decks and porches, and within caves. Shady trees also provide a perfect spot for snakes to cool down. Snakes will also seek shelter inside your home, often curling up inside attics, crawl spaces, and even basements.
Birds, much like most animals, cannot sweat and instead will cool themselves off by submerging their bodies in the water, afterward opening their wingspans and letting the wind cool them off even further. If you have a bird bath on your property, you might see birds fluttering and submerging themselves inside the water to keep cool. Additionally, birds will also forage for food at dawn and dusk, and stay hiding in the shade throughout the rest of the day.
Skunks and groundhogs possess a unique advantage among wildlife in Westchester, as these critters can dig underneath the ground into the cool soil to escape the heat. Skunks and groundhogs will often dig underneath structures on your property like porches, sheds, decks, and even your home’s foundation itself. Skunks and groundhogs might also dig into your crawl space to escape the heat, which can become even more appealing to them if there is a source of groundwater inside for them to cool off in.
Groundhogs have also been spotted exhibiting the same “splooting” behavior as squirrels, which makes sense when you realize that groundhogs are part of the squirrel family, and are classified as ground squirrels!
When the heat rises, critters like raccoons, squirrels, snakes, birds, skunks, groundhogs, and more may seek shelter within your home. These animals can end up inside your attic, crawl space, basement, shed, garage, or underneath your porch or deck. Wildlife seeking shelter on your property can cause plenty of expensive damage, from ripping and soiling attic insulation to creating structural instability underneath your home foundation. Westchester Wildlife can help, we offer the best wildlife trapping and removal services in Westchester County. Contact us today to get started with a FREE estimate at (800) 273-6673!
Toll Free: 800.273.6673
Phone: (914) 760-5713
PO Box 579 Brewster,
NY 10509 USA
* Westchester Wildlife, LLC is not affiliated with the County. All services are fee based.
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