With extreme heat and humidity in the forecast through this weekend, most people will take advantage of the air conditioning and try to stay indoors as much as possible.
Iowa’s wildlife do not have this luxury and Franklin and Wright County Naturalist Aubrey Brown, who was on a recent Outdoors in North Iowa program on 104.9 KLMJ, says animals have to find ways of dealing with the heat, like locating a source for water.
“Water is always a critical component of helping your local wildlife. Providing stagnant, dirty water is worse than no water at all. And letting water sources dry out forces animals that have come to rely on them to use energy to find new water. So be sure to keep all water sources topped and clean. Use water elements that make noise, like fountains or drip jugs, to help animals find the water more easily. When temperatures soar, provide as many sources of water as possible. In addition to permanent features like ponds, fountains, and bird baths, set out shallow water basins at ground level for small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.”
Brown says in addition to finding a source for water, wildlife always benefit from the shade of trees and shelters but shade becomes a health requirement in hot weather.
“Postpone pruning until the fall to maximum leaf cover during the summer. Mulch beds thickly to keep the ground moist and cool and provide cover for insects. Leave holes and burrows intact even if pests create them. Other species could take refuge underground in hot weather. Be careful when cleaning up woody debris and even weed piles during hot weather as small mammals may be resting in their shade. Even shading paved areas like patios can benefit wildlife by slightly lowering the ambient temperature in your yard.”
For more questions regarding wildlife in Franklin and Wright counties, you can call 641-456-4375. You can find recent episodes at radioonthego.com under the Outdoors in North Iowa podcast page.
