Local wildlife – such as birds and small mammals – need a supply of clean water to survive periods of extreme heat and drought. Small animals often seen in our backyards typically don’t have large ranges, meaning that fresh water close-by is extremely important for survival.
Viewer Tip: You can lend a hand to wildlife in your own backyard with these simple tips.
- Keep bird baths full of clean water. Don’t have a bird bath? Adding one to your yard is relatively inexpensive and provides great bird watching opportunities.
- Create a “drip jug” to hang over your bird bath. Fill a plastic milk jug with water and poke a tiny hole in the bottom. The dripping sound of the water will attract birds to the bath.
- Put a few water-filled containers of different depths on the ground to help out ground squirrels and other small mammals.
- Remember to change water frequently to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in your yard.
Find more tips for helping wildlife cope with heat and drought at blog.nwf.org/wildlifepromise/2011/07/simple-tips-for-helping-wildlife-during-heat-waves-and-drought/ and for more weather and environment tips, visit www.earthgauge.net.
(Source: National Wildlife Federation. “Simple Tips for Helping Wildlife During Heat and Drought.” http://blog.nwf.org/wildlifepromise/2011/07/simple-tips-for-helping-wildlife-during-heat-waves-and-drought/)
