Far from just resting, koalas can reduce their body temperature by sprawling out in trees. Known as "heat dumping," the marsupials push their thin fur against the cool branches to expend body heat, according to 2014<strong> </strong><a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Fenvironment%2F2014%2Fjun%2F04%2Fkoalas-have-learned-a-new-trick-to-beat-the-heat-scientists-say" target="_blank" target="_blank">research</a>. <strong>Scroll through the gallery to see more ways animals stay cool.</strong>
Far from just resting, koalas can reduce their body temperature by sprawling out in trees. Known as "heat dumping," the marsupials push their thin fur against the cool branches to expend body heat, according to 2014 research. Scroll through the gallery to see more ways animals stay cool.
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Cape ground squirrels have a built-in defense against the sun: a big bushy tail that acts as portable shade.
Cape ground squirrels have a built-in defense against the sun: a big bushy tail that acts as portable shade.
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Panting is one of the most well-known ways some animals regulate their temperatures, but it's not just dogs who do it -- some cats and birds also pant.
Panting is one of the most well-known ways some animals regulate their temperatures, but it's not just dogs who do it -- some cats and birds also pant.
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To keep cool elephants flap their ears, which are full of tiny blood vessels. They sometimes speed up the process by spraying water onto them.
To keep cool elephants flap their ears, which are full of tiny blood vessels. They sometimes speed up the process by spraying water onto them.
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To prevent overheating, red kangaroos lick their forearms, which are crammed with a network of blood vessels and capillaries. As the saliva evaporates, it reduces their overall body temperature.
To prevent overheating, red kangaroos lick their forearms, which are crammed with a network of blood vessels and capillaries. As the saliva evaporates, it reduces their overall body temperature.
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Pelicans and other birds use a technique called "gular fluttering," which sees them open their mouths and rapidly vibrate their moist throat membranes to cause evaporation.
Pelicans and other birds use a technique called "gular fluttering," which sees them open their mouths and rapidly vibrate their moist throat membranes to cause evaporation.
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The swimming pigs of Exuma in the Bahamas have gained a global reputation for their love of cooling off in open water. Big Major Cay is often dubbed "Pig Beach" in reference to the inhabitants.
The swimming pigs of Exuma in the Bahamas have gained a global reputation for their love of cooling off in open water. Big Major Cay is often dubbed "Pig Beach" in reference to the inhabitants.
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Recent <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Froyalsocietypublishing.org%2Fdoi%2F10.1098%2Frsbl.2022.0495" target="_blank" target="_blank">research</a> has found that short-beaked echidnas blow snot bubbles to regulate their temperature. The mucus wets the tip of their snouts, cooling large pools of blood in their beak when the moisture evaporates.
Recent research has found that short-beaked echidnas blow snot bubbles to regulate their temperature. The mucus wets the tip of their snouts, cooling large pools of blood in their beak when the moisture evaporates.
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Horses are one of the few species outside of humans and primates that sweat to keep cool.
Horses are one of the few species outside of humans and primates that sweat to keep cool.
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The surface of a thorny devil lizard's skin has a network of miniscule grooves that allow it to "drink" through its body. Moisture soaked up from the sand travels via capillaries to its mouth.
The surface of a thorny devil lizard's skin has a network of miniscule grooves that allow it to "drink" through its body. Moisture soaked up from the sand travels via capillaries to its mouth.
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Marabou storks are one long-legged bird known to excrete on their legs when overheated. As the liquid -- a mixture of feces and urine -- evaporates, it cools their bodies.
Marabou storks are one long-legged bird known to excrete on their legs when overheated. As the liquid -- a mixture of feces and urine -- evaporates, it cools their bodies.
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Most pet-owners will have seen a "sploot", but less will know its a form of heat-dumping. Dogs, cats, and even squirrels, will adopt a flat-out, prone posture to cool themselves in high temperatures.
Most pet-owners will have seen a "sploot", but less will know its a form of heat-dumping. Dogs, cats, and even squirrels, will adopt a flat-out, prone posture to cool themselves in high temperatures.
From NYC Parks
Wild boars are one of many species that wallow in mud to cool off. As the mud evaporates, it carries away body heat.
Wild boars are one of many species that wallow in mud to cool off. As the mud evaporates, it carries away body heat.
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