As temperatures are forecast to reach up to 35 degrees Celsius amid the fourth heatwave of the year, animal welfare organizations are urging gardeners and the public to provide shaded areas and fresh water to help wildlife cope with the extreme heat. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) reported that its rescue centers are operating at full capacity due to an influx of heatstroke cases among wildlife.

The prolonged heatwave, which follows record-breaking temperatures in May and June, has contributed to July being approximately 3 degrees Celsius above the monthly average, according to provisional data from the Met Office. This sustained period of high temperatures is placing increased stress on local wildlife populations.

Amy Ockelford, a representative of the RSPCA, highlighted mounting concerns over the welfare of vulnerable species. She noted a rise in the number of hedgehogs, including juvenile hoglets, being admitted to rescue centers. “These animals are usually not out in the daytime, but they’re coming out because they’re struggling to find food and water, and ending up with heatstroke,” Ockelford said.

The RSPCA emphasized the importance of creating refuges in private gardens where wildlife can shelter from the sun. In addition to providing shaded spaces, the organization advised leaving out clean, cool water to help animals regulate their body temperature during the heatwave. The guidance extends beyond household pets to encompass wild animals, which often face greater challenges in locating essential resources during extreme weather.

With temperatures continuing to soar in the coming days, wildlife experts and animal welfare groups urge the public to be proactive in supporting local animal populations affected by the summer heat.