When the Colorado heatwave hits, even the wildlife knows it’s time to get creative.
From sneaky swims in mountain streams to unexpected dips in backyard pools, animals are finding hilarious and clever ways to beat the heat.
Watching nature’s coolest creatures adapt with quirky antics reminds us all that sometimes a little ingenuity and a splash of water goes a long way in staying chill when temperatures soar.
1. Black Bears Become Pool Party Crashers
Backyard pools across Colorado have reported uninvited furry swimmers! Several black bears have been caught on home security cameras taking midnight dips in residential swimming pools.
One family in Boulder woke to splashing sounds, only to find a 300-pound bear doing what looked like the backstroke.
Rangers note this behavior is increasing as bears seek relief from scorching temperatures.
2. Mule Deer Turn Sprinkler Enthusiasts
Lawns across Colorado suburbs are hosting some unexpected guests during watering hours.
Mule deer have discovered the joy of sprinklers, with multiple sightings of these elegant creatures prancing through water jets.
In Fort Collins, a family recorded a group of five deer waiting patiently for the timed sprinklers to activate. The moment the water started, they rushed in, leaping and playing like excited puppies.
3. Elk Discover Mountain Stream Jacuzzis
Rocky Mountain National Park visitors have been treated to unusual elk behavior this summer.
The normally dignified creatures have been spotted lying down in shallow mountain streams, creating natural “spa pools” where water builds up around their massive bodies.
Park rangers report seeing entire herds lounging in these self-made jacuzzis, with only their heads and antlers visible above the cool water. Some bulls even use their antlers to splash water onto their backs.
4. Mountain Lions Take Up Cave Dwelling
Typically solitary hunters, mountain lions are temporarily changing their habits during peak heat hours.
Wildlife cameras have captured these elusive predators retreating deep into mountain caves and abandoned mine shafts.
One researcher found a female mountain lion who had moved her entire den of cubs nearly a mile to reach a naturally air-conditioned cave system.
The cool underground temperatures provide perfect relief when the mountainsides become too hot for comfort.
5. Raccoons Hijack Bird Baths
Bird enthusiasts across Colorado are finding their feeders emptied and baths commandeered by heat-stressed raccoons.
These clever bandits have been photographed not just drinking from bird baths, but fully submerging themselves.
In Denver suburbs, one family recorded a raccoon family of five taking turns sitting in their decorative fountain.
The masked mammals have even been seen dunking their food in the water first—combining their natural washing behavior with cooling techniques.
6. American Bison Create Dust Bowl Cooling Systems
Bison in Colorado’s grasslands have revved up their dust-bathing behaviors to epic proportions.
Park visitors at Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge have witnessed massive dust clouds from bison herds creating DIY cooling systems.
After rolling vigorously in dry dirt, the dust clings to their thick fur, acting as a natural sunscreen and cooling agent.
Rangers report some innovative bison have claimed specific wallowing spots near water sources, creating mud baths that provide hours of heat relief.
7. Prairie Dogs Transform Burrows Into Desert Coolers
Colorado’s prairie dog colonies have engineered an impressive response to the heat. These social rodents have modified their burrow systems to create natural air conditioning.
Researchers observed them digging special ventilation tunnels that catch passing breezes. During peak heat, they retreat to the lowest chambers where temperatures remain a comfortable 70 degrees.
Some colonies have even been spotted taking turns “sentry duty” in the heat while allowing family members extended cool-down time underground.
8. Red Foxes Become Dawn and Dusk Specialists
Colorado’s red foxes have completely flipped their schedules to beat the heat. Normally active at various times throughout the day, these adaptable canids have become strictly dawn and dusk specialists.
Wildlife cameras show increased fox activity in the brief cool hours, with some bold individuals venturing into neighborhoods to drink from garden hoses left dripping overnight.
One Fox near Colorado Springs was repeatedly filmed triggering a motion-activated sprinkler, then returning to play in the spray.
9. Coyotes Discover Irrigation Canal Water Parks
Agricultural areas around Grand Junction have reported unusual coyote behavior near irrigation systems. These typically cautious predators have been spotted playing in flowing irrigation canals like excited children at water parks.
Farmers have witnessed coyotes taking running jumps into canals, floating down the current, then climbing out to repeat the process.
Some have developed a game of chasing floating debris through the water. One rancher even installed a wildlife camera after spotting coyote tracks and captured a nightly “water park” routine.
10. Moose Transform Into Submarine Mammals
Colorado’s moose population has taken their natural affinity for water to new extremes during the heatwave.
These massive mammals have been spotted almost completely submerged in mountain lakes and reservoirs for hours at a time.
At Grand Lake, tourists watched in amazement as a bull moose waded until only his eyes, ears, and antlers remained above water.
Park officials report some moose are spending up to six hours daily in water, emerging only to feed briefly before returning to their aquatic retreats.
11. Bighorn Sheep Discover Snow Patch Sledding
High in Colorado’s mountains, bighorn sheep have discovered the cooling joy of remaining snow patches. Hikers in the high country have witnessed these agile climbers intentionally seeking out snow fields above 12,000 feet.
Even more surprisingly, several groups reported seeing sheep lying on their sides and sliding down small snow patches. Park biologists confirm this behavior helps regulate body temperature and removes irritating insects.
One hiking group captured video of lambs repeatedly climbing up and sliding down a small snowfield like children at a playground.
12. Wild Turkeys Host Mud Bath Socials
Colorado’s wild turkeys have developed a surprisingly social solution to heat stress. Normally spread out across territories, these birds have been gathering in unprecedented numbers around muddy areas after brief summer rains.
Wildlife officials documented over 40 turkeys sharing a single mud wallow near Pueblo, taking turns coating their feathers in cooling mud.
The behavior not only regulates temperature but helps eliminate parasites. Farmers report finding turkey dust baths under leaky water troughs where the birds create perfect cooling mud mixtures.