Beavers are heat wave heroes

[superadmin]

During an intense heat wave, humans have a number of tools to stay cool, such as air conditioning, swimming pools, and ice cream. Wild animals, meanwhile, have beavers.

Yes, beavers. These web-footed, fat-tailed amphibious rodents help countless other critters survive a heat wave. They not only drench certain landscapes in cold water but also help cool the air. They even make forests and grasslands less likely to burn.

This is especially important right now. In the last two weeks, an oppressive heat wave has been roasting much of the US and Europe, putting both humans and wildlife at risk. The UK saw its hottest day on record. Temperatures in parts of Oklahoma and Texas hit 115 degrees. And there are still two months of summer left.

- More -