As summer continues, wildlife can be observed in many different places, including Springbrook State Park.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Interpretive Naturalist and Educator Anne Riordan says that many animals at the park have been enjoying their time, and that just like people, can be seen relaxing and taking things slow during the summer months. She tells Raccoon Valley Radio how precipitation has helped with certain aspects of summer life.

“With the rains that we’ve had, the shade and shelter are also pretty lush. All the plants are pretty lush, and there’s been plenty of water available. So that makes life somewhat easier for some of the critters. (It) has been pretty hot though from time to time, so sometimes they have to kind of adapt their behavior a little bit to deal with the heat.”

Riordan mentions that a few ways animals may try to beat the heat is spending time in the shady areas and shelters she mentioned, along with taking a dip in the water and letting that evaporate off them to cool down. She adds that as for what kinds of wildlife people can see, foxes, raccoons, doe and fawn whitetail deer and geese can be seen regularly, along with other songbirds that live in the wooded areas.