Well, you know, squirrels, like any critters, they need water to live. But don’t go thinkin’ they need as much water as we do. See, these little fellas are mighty smart and have kidneys that can hold onto just about every drop of moisture they can get. But that don’t mean they don’t need water, especially when the weather turns real hot like it does in the summer.
Now, when it gets scorchin’ out there, squirrels do get thirsty, and they need a place to drink from. They ain’t always gonna go runnin’ for the nearest lake or creek, though. Nope, they’ll pick a spot that’s close by, safe from any predators, and easy to get to. They’ll drink from streams, ponds, or creeks if they’re in the wild, and in town, you might see ’em lappin’ up water from bird baths, pet bowls, or even from a leaky faucet or a puddle after a rain. Don’t be surprised if you catch ‘em drinkin’ from your garden hose or that ol’ kiddie pool in your backyard.
Now, these squirrels, they’re a clever bunch. They’ll find water when they need it. But it’s not like they’re always drinkin’ like we might. Oh no. They get a lot of moisture from the food they eat, like fruits, nuts, and even plants. Heck, sometimes they’ll lick up moisture from the dew on leaves or from wet soil. Ain’t that somethin’?
But don’t get me wrong, in hot weather, they sure do need more water. Just like us, they can get dehydrated if they ain’t careful. When the sun’s beatin’ down and the air’s too hot, squirrels slow down, especially in the middle of the day. They hide out in the shade and keep cool. But, if they don’t have water nearby, they could end up in a bad way, real fast.
If you happen to see a squirrel lookin’ thirsty in your yard, it’s a nice thing to put out a bowl of water for ‘em. You don’t have to worry about them drinkin’ too much or making a mess. Just a little water will help them stay hydrated. Some folks even freeze water in small bowls and leave ’em out. The squirrels like to lick at the ice as it melts, and that keeps them cool and gives ‘em the moisture they need to keep goin’ through that hot day.
Now, some might say, “Why bother puttin’ out water for squirrels? Don’t they get what they need from the food they eat?” Well, yeah, they do, but when the weather’s real hot, it ain’t always enough. And remember, squirrels get most of their water from sources they find, but in the summertime, that water’s gotta be easy to reach. If there’s nothin’ for ‘em to drink, they might go too long without it, and that ain’t good for them.
So, it’s a good idea to put out a little water now and then, especially if you see a squirrel wanderin’ around in the heat. You’d be surprised how much they appreciate it. They might even give you a little thank-you with a happy squeak or a flick of the tail. Not that you’ll always hear it, but trust me, they notice when you help out.
In the wild, they gotta make do with what they find, but if you’ve got some extra water around, don’t be shy about helpin’ ‘em out. It ain’t much trouble, and it’ll sure make a difference for those little furballs when the sun’s hot and the ground’s dry.
So, to wrap it up, yeah, squirrels need water, especially in hot weather. They get it from food and other sources, but when things heat up, they’re gonna need a little extra. And if you’re kind enough to put out some water for ’em, you’re doin’ a good deed that’ll help them keep cool and stay hydrated.
Tags:[squirrels, water, hot weather, squirrels hydration, do squirrels need water, wildlife care, squirrel water source, keep squirrels hydrated, summer squirrel care, squirrel behavior]
Original article by the Author:Adwan,If you intend to republish this content, please attribute the source accordingly:https://www.jaynscott.com/how-do-squirrels-stay-hydrated-in-hot-weather/