The sight of a squirrel stretched out completely flat on its belly, often called “splooting,” is a common observation that leads people to wonder about the animal’s welfare. This posture is a natural and well-documented behavior observed in squirrels and several other mammals. It involves the animal pressing its entire underside against a surface, and while it may look concerning, it is usually a sign of a normal physiological process. The behavior is an instinctive response to environmental conditions, serving a distinct purpose for the highly active rodent.
The Primary Role of Conductive Cooling
The main reason squirrels adopt this flattened posture is to regulate their body temperature, a process sometimes called “heat dumping.” Since squirrels cannot cool themselves efficiently through sweating, they rely on alternative thermoregulation strategies during high heat. By lying flat, the squirrel maximizes the surface area of its body in direct contact with a cooler substrate.
This physical contact facilitates conductive cooling, transferring heat away from the squirrel’s body into the cooler surface, such as shaded pavement, tile, metal, or a cool tree branch. The squirrel’s belly region is specifically suited for this task because the fur is sparser there, allowing for rapid heat exchange.
The skin on the squirrel’s underside also contains a higher concentration of superficial blood vessels. When the animal presses its belly against the cool ground, heat from the circulating blood dissipates more effectively into the environment. This action effectively lowers the core body temperature and helps the squirrel avoid overheating.
The effectiveness of this method depends entirely on the temperature of the chosen surface. The animal must select a surface cooler than its body temperature; otherwise, the heat transfer could make the squirrel hotter. This is why they are often seen on shaded sidewalks or cool patio stones, which function like a natural cooling pad.
Other Normal Behavioral Explanations
While cooling is the most frequent trigger, squirrels also lay flat for other routine, non-thermoregulatory reasons. This posture can be a form of rest or relaxation after high-energy activity, such as intense foraging or escaping a perceived threat. Lying flat allows the animal to relax its muscles, conserve energy, and function as a full-body stretch.
Another behavioral context is sunbathing, particularly during cooler times of the year. In the spring or fall, squirrels may press their darker-furred backs against a sun-warmed surface to absorb heat. This serves to warm the animal, which is the opposite of heat dumping, helping to maintain their internal temperature.
The flattened posture can also be a defensive mechanism against predators. By pressing themselves low and still against a surface, squirrels reduce their profile and blend more easily into their surroundings. This tactic helps them avoid detection and gives them time to decide on their next move.
Recognizing Signs of Illness or Injury
Since lying flat is a normal behavior, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish a relaxing squirrel from one that is in distress. A healthy squirrel lying flat for rest or cooling will usually be highly responsive and quick to move if approached or disturbed. If the animal remains completely immobile, moves very slowly, or makes no attempt to flee, this may indicate a problem.
Signs of Distress
Other physical indicators of distress include:
- Visible wounds, such as those caused by a cat attack or car strike.
- Labored or difficult breathing or unusual vocalizations.
- A hunched-over posture when attempting to sit up.
- Staggering or inability to coordinate movements, suggesting a neurological issue or severe injury.
In these instances, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or animal control for guidance, rather than attempting to handle the animal without training.