It’s not just you melting in the July heat—Chicago’s squirrels are feeling the burn too. With temperatures soaring into the 90s and humidity thick enough to swim through, the city’s furry tree dwellers are visibly struggling to stay cool. Locals have reported seeing squirrels sprawled out flat on sidewalks, patios, and tree branches in a pose that’s been lovingly dubbed “splooting.” It may look dramatic, but it’s actually a smart survival tactic: by spreading out on a cool surface, squirrels can release excess body heat through their bellies, one of the few hairless parts of their bodies. Wildlife experts say this is completely normal behavior and nothing to worry about—just a clever way to beat the heat. Still, the extreme weather is a reminder that urban animals, like people, are vulnerable during prolonged heatwaves. If you want to help your neighborhood squirrels, consider putting out a shallow dish of clean water, especially near trees. Just don’t try to feed them ice cream—it’s not cute, it’s dangerous.
Even the Squirrels Are Hot: Chicago Wildlife Struggles Through Summer Heatwave
