Splooting Squirrels Are Nothing To Be Concerned About

May 15, 2025 – As temperatures rise across Texas and other parts of the country, many people have noticed squirrels lying flat on their bellies with their legs stretched out behind them—a behavior known as splooting. While it might look amusing or even alarming, experts say it’s a perfectly natural way for squirrels and other animals to cool off in extreme heat.

Many animals engage in this behavior. Dogs may adopt this position to relax, stretch and relieve pressure on the spine.

Splooting allows squirrels to press their bodies against cooler surfaces like sidewalks, tree branches, or shaded ground, helping them regulate their body temperature. By spreading out and maximizing contact with these cooler surfaces, squirrels can release heat more efficiently. This behavior is similar to what pet owners may notice in dogs or cats during hot weather.

Wildlife experts say splooting is not a sign of distress, but rather a heat management strategy. However, it also highlights how rising temperatures are affecting urban wildlife, pushing animals to adapt in visible ways.

With record-breaking heat waves becoming more common, Texans are encouraged to provide water sources for animals and avoid disturbing splooting squirrels—they’re just trying to stay cool. If you see one stretched out on the pavement or in your yard, it’s likely doing exactly what it needs to survive the sweltering weather.