Help Backyard Wildlife Keep Cool

In the heat of the summer, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as a cold glass of water or a dip in the pool, lake or ocean.

But many animals can’t find the relief offered by a cool haven when their normal watering holes dry up due to evaporation or lack of rain.

You can help!!!

Here are a few helpful hints for turning your yard into a haven for wildlife this summer:

* Provide a bird bath on a pedestal or a shallow dish at ground level to attract birds and other animals.

* Make a puddling area where butterflies can gather and take in nutrients.

* Clean and refill your bird bath or water dish every few days to prevent your water source from becoming a breeding habitat for mosquitoes.

* Create a pond, if space permits, to provide habitat as well as a water supply for frogs, dragonflies and more.

For more tips on helping backyard wildlife, visit National Wildlife Federation.