Squirrels are often seen stretched out flat on the ground, a tree branch, or a fence, a posture informally called “splooting.” This common behavior often prompts questions about their well-being.
Cooling Down: The “Sploot” Behavior
Squirrels primarily adopt this flat posture for thermoregulation, managing their body temperature. Unlike humans, squirrels do not sweat efficiently to cool down, having sweat glands only on their feet. Instead, they rely on behavioral adaptations to dissipate heat, especially in warm weather.
When a squirrel “sploots,” it presses its belly flat against a cooler surface like shaded ground, pavement, or a tree branch. The fur on its belly is thinner, with superficial blood vessels close to the skin. Maximizing contact with a cooler surface facilitates heat transfer from its body to the environment through conduction. This helps the squirrel cool down and maintain a stable internal temperature. This behavior is a normal coping mechanism, especially during heatwaves.
Other Reasons for Lying Flat
While cooling is a common motivation, squirrels also lie flat for other reasons. They may adopt this posture to rest or nap, conserving energy between periods of activity. When resting on a tree branch, lying flat helps them maintain balance and reduces the risk of falling. This position allows them to relax and stretch their muscles.
Squirrels also use a flattened posture for observation or to avoid detection from predators. By pressing their bodies against the ground or a tree, they create a lower, less conspicuous profile, making it harder for predators like hawks, owls, or ground-based threats to spot them. This camouflage effect is enhanced by their fur color, which often blends with bark or ground, and by remaining perfectly still. This can provide crucial moments for the squirrel to assess its surroundings before making its next move.
When to Be Concerned
Observing a squirrel lying flat is a sign of a healthy animal managing its environment. However, this behavior, combined with other signs, could indicate distress or illness. If a squirrel exhibits visible injuries like open wounds, bleeding, or a noticeable limp, it may require assistance. Prolonged lethargy, unresponsiveness when approached, or a hunched posture differing from the typical flattened position are also causes for concern.
Other alarming signs include labored breathing, shivering unrelated to cold, discharge from the eyes, nose, or mouth, or twitching or seizures. While “splooting” is normal, a squirrel remaining immobile for an unusually long period without hot weather, or appearing disoriented, could also signal a problem. Avoid approaching or handling wild animals that appear distressed. Instead, if you observe a squirrel with these concerning symptoms, contact a local wildlife rescue organization or rehabilitation center.