Texas Heat: Houston SPCA steps up to treat wildlife as dangerous temps take toll
Houston Weather: Scorching heat continues but small chances of relief expected
Excessive Heat Warning remains in effect for Houston and surrounding areas until 8 PM Tuesday. Heat index values of 108 to 115 are possible which will continue to make it dangerous and uncomfortable to be outside. Heat advisory continues for Coastal Jackson, Coastal Matagorda, Matagorda Islands & Brazoria Islands until 8pm Tuesday. Heat index values could be as high as 110. Triple digit temperatures are likely for the next few days with high humidity. This means you should continue to drink plenty of water, avoid exercising outside from 11 AM - 6 PM, take breaks in the shade if you have to work outside and check your car for kids and pets before you walk away. It will still be hot Thursday through Saturday but should stay below triple digits. Slight relief is also possible in the form of a few rain showers Tuesday through Friday. Triple digit temperatures are set to return early next week!
HOUSTON - As the intense heatwave in Texas continues, the Houston SPCA says it is treating more emaciated animals for dehydration.
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According to wildlife experts, the animals are struggling to find water in the scorching temperatures. In fact, the center adds since 2022, there has been an increase in the amount of injured or orphaned animals.
Baby Mocking Bird (Photo courtesy of Houston SPCA)
Among the animals they've treated, so far include a loon, woodpecker, yellow-crowned night-heron, and a mockingbird. After they've been fully rehabilitated,the SPCA says it will release them back into the wild.
Loon getting rehabilitated (Photo courtesy of Houston SPCA)
The Houston SPCA says the public can help protect their neighborhood wildlife in the following ways:
- Once a day, remove dirt and debris from birdbaths and fill them with fresh, clean water.
- Place extra birdseed or suet in your yard.
- Check under trees for distressed wildlife in your neighborhood. If it is safe to do so, place the creatures in boxes with soft rags and drop them off at the Wildlife Center as soon as possible.
- Keep in mind that you should never attempt to feed or give water to distressed animals. They may have other serious injuries or diseases.
For a complete list of guidelines on helping distressed wild animals, visit the Houston SPCA’s Wildlife Center of Texas webpage or call 713-861-9453.