What does it mean when squirrels lay on their bellies?

It’s not unusual in Dallas to spot a squirrel stretched out flat on a deck, fence, or even the driveway. At first glance, it might look strange—almost as if the squirrel is overheated or injured. What does it mean when squirrels lay on their bellies? In most cases, it’s a normal behavior that helps them cool down or simply take a break after all their climbing and foraging.

The Behavior: Known as “Splooting”

When squirrels stretch out flat with their legs behind them and bellies pressed against the ground, the posture is called “splooting.” It might look funny or even a little concerning, but it’s completely natural. Many other animals, including dogs and cats, sploot for similar reasons.

For squirrels, splooting is most common during hot weather or after periods of intense activity. By laying flat, they maximize contact with a cooler surface, allowing their bodies to release heat. It’s a practical and instinctive way for these energetic animals to take a breather while staying safe in their environment.

Main Reasons Squirrels Lay on Their Bellies

Cooling Down

Dallas summers can be brutally hot, and squirrels don’t sweat like humans do. By pressing their bellies against cooler surfaces such as shaded concrete, damp soil, or wooden decks, they regulate their body temperature. This behavior is a natural way to avoid overheating in the Texas heat.

Resting

Squirrels are constantly climbing, jumping, and foraging, which burns a lot of energy. Laying flat is a way for them to relax their muscles and conserve energy. After an active sprint through the trees or a long food hunt, splooting helps them recharge.

Feeling Safe

Sometimes, squirrels flatten themselves against a surface to avoid drawing attention from predators. By staying still and lowering their profile, they blend in more easily with their surroundings. This instinctive reaction can give them a better chance of staying unnoticed when danger is nearby.

Is Splooting a Sign of Illness?

For the most part, splooting is a perfectly normal behavior and not a cause for alarm. Squirrels naturally use it to stay cool, rest, or remain hidden, so spotting one stretched out on its belly doesn’t usually mean it’s sick. In fact, it’s a common sight during the hottest days in Dallas when squirrels need relief from the sun.

That said, there are times when concern is justified. If a squirrel remains flat for unusually long periods, appears weak, or shows signs of injury, it may not just be splooting. In these cases, the behavior could signal heat stress, exhaustion, or illness, and avoiding contact is the safest choice.

Why Dallas Homeowners Notice It More

North Texas summers are long, hot, and humid, which makes cooling behaviors like splooting especially common. Squirrels adapt to these conditions by finding cool spots on driveways, patios, and decks where they can release body heat quickly. The urban setting gives them plenty of man-made surfaces that hold and radiate temperatures differently than natural ground.

Homeowners in Dallas are also more likely to spot this behavior because squirrels thrive in neighborhoods with trees, gardens, and easy food sources. With so many people spending time outdoors, it’s not unusual to see a squirrel stretched flat on the ground or railing during peak heat. What might look unusual is simply a survival tactic in Texas weather.

Should You Be Concerned if You See It Often?

Seeing squirrels laying on their bellies around your yard is usually nothing to worry about. It’s a natural behavior, and frequent sightings often just mean you have healthy squirrels making use of shady spots on your property. In hot Dallas summers, it’s common for them to sploot daily as part of their routine.

However, repeated activity could also mean squirrels are living closer to your home than you’d like. If they’re splooting on decks, rooftops, or near attics, it may signal nearby nesting or entry points. While the behavior itself isn’t a threat, their presence around your home could lead to damage if they decide to move inside.

When to Call Wildlife Removal Experts

If squirrels are splooting on your porch, deck, or rooftop regularly, it may mean they’ve settled close by. While the behavior itself is harmless, squirrels living too close to your home can create real problems. They often chew wires, tear insulation, and contaminate attics with droppings, leading to costly repairs and health risks.

That’s where professional help comes in. Wildlife removal experts can inspect your property for entry points, safely remove the squirrels, and install exclusion measures to keep them out. Calling in licensed professionals ensures the problem is handled humanely and prevents future infestations.

Conclusion

When squirrels lay on their bellies, it’s usually nothing more than a way to cool down, rest, or stay hidden from predators. This behavior, known as splooting, is common in hot climates like Dallas and is a normal part of squirrel life. While it may look unusual, it rarely signals illness or danger.

Still, frequent sightings around your home can point to squirrels living nearby, which increases the chance of property damage. By staying alert and addressing activity early, you can enjoy watching squirrels from a distance without dealing with the headaches they cause when they move inside.

Call AAAC Wildlife Removal of Dallas Today

If squirrels are getting too comfortable around your property or showing signs of nesting nearby, it’s time to take action. AAAC Wildlife Removal of Dallas provides humane, effective squirrel removal and prevention tailored to your home. From inspection to exclusion, our experts know how to keep your attic and outdoor spaces safe.