Mammals Cool Themselves in Unique Ways

Humans are mammals. Humans sweat when their bodies get hot. Sweat is the body’s natural reaction. It helps the body to cool off.

Photo Credit: Arianna Palazzi/Flickr RF/Getty Images

Mammals use moisture to cool off when they are hot. Cats lick themselves. Dogs pant. Some animals spit on themselves. Echidnas blow snot bubbles to cool off!

Photo Credit: Getty Images/Flickr RF/Arianna Palazzi

Echidnas are small, spike-covered mammals. They live in areas with extreme temperature changes. Hot temperatures are dangerous for echidnas. They blow snot bubbles when it gets hot. The snot bubbles pop and make their noses wet. Their wet noses keep them cool.

What Can You Do? Go outside and blow some bubbles. Let them land on your arm or leg. Does it feel cooler when the bubble pops?

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