Did you know squirrels can sploot? Did you know sploot is a word? Welcome to Texas, where the heat is bending the laws of nature and the dictionary.
ABC affiliate WFAA reports that Texas is in the midst of a major heat wave that’s not only taxing their power grid, it’s also taxing the squirrel population. So, they’re splooting.
What is splooting, you ask? It’s when a creature lies down flat on its tummy and splays out all four appendages on a cool surface in an attempt to beat the heat.
Texas squirrels are doing this act in public, which is making the locals go “aww” as they’re complaining about the incessant heat.
Some squirrels are even splooting on top of sidewalk vents as a half-hearted attempt at recreating that iconic Marilyn Monroe scene.
So, why are people finding squirrels in a sploot? The creatures don’t sweat and they are unable to pant, so this is their best way to not die from excessive heat stroke.
Dallas, Texas, hit a record high of 109 degrees on Wednesday amid the Lone Star State’s ongoing heat wave. Hot conditions and the continuation of the current drought are expected to remain for the rest of the summer, which means the season of splooting squirrels is here for the long haul.