06/20/2026
🔆Fun Fact Friday: Surviving the Summer Sun 🔆
It's no secret that the Mojave desert gets hot during the summer months. And while many of us can cool off in an air-conditioned room, sip some iced tea, or jump in a pool, Mojave wildlife don't have those luxuries. Instead, they've had to adapt ways to go without water and to handle that hot, blistering sun. Swipe through to see some of our favorite desert-adapted animals and their tried & true techniques.
Other spunky animals not mentioned in the post:
--Desert Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus eremicus) literally stay still to keep cool. They'll lay on beds made of flattened grass. So simple, yet so smart.
--Burrowing Owls (Athene cunicularia) can burrow, obviously, but they'll most likely occupy an abandoned den instead. What is super fascinating is that they'll line their new home with animal waste to attract their favorite snack, dung beetles. Instead of expending energy to hunt, their prey comes to them--ingenious!
--Merriam's Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys merriami) has no interest in water. Their kidneys are so highly efficient, that they get all the moisture they need from dried seeds. I bet you got thirsty just reading that.
Have these animals inspired you? Share your tips to beat the heat in the comments below!
📸PC: Dan Sedran (slide 4), Marc Adamus (slide 5).
