Wildlife Coping With Iowa Heat Wave

(Undated) -- Wildlife experts in Iowa have noticed some animals changing their behavior amid extreme heat conditions.

"Probably getting the most attention right now are the squirrels, laying on the belly in a practice called splooting," said Iowa DNR Wildlife Biologist Jim Coffey. He says other mammals including deer are less active during the heat of the day, preferring to remain in shady areas near creeks and streams. He says mammals also tend to eat less when it's hot. Coffey says birds are also less active during the hottest times of the day, but increase activity in the early morning or early evening when the temperatures are cooler. He also notes fish and other aquatic life will simply head to the deepest water or muddy conditions they can find to stay cool.

Ryan Bickel of the Des Moines Blank Park Zoo says some of their species, such as the red panda are very sensitive to the summer heat and prefer to remain in an air conditioned space. Others, however, such as the Bactrian camel are right at home. Zoo keepers have been providing extra icy treats to animals, such as fish frozen in ice for the sea lions and froze fruit for other species.