MAINE PUBLIC • August 26, 2025
As human-caused climate change warms the planet, summers are getting hotter. The number of days over 90 degrees is expected to at least double across parts of Maine by 2050. During a heatwave, Mainers can head to the beach, the movies, a cooling center or turn on the AC if they have it. But Maine's wildlife don't have that option. On days where the mercury is high and the heat index is even higher, birds, fish and mammals can be at risk. Extreme heat exacerbates the issues wildlife are already facing: drought, habitat loss and the spread of disease. Development prevents animals from being able to flee to cooler areas. Others are likely to take new risks by venturing places they normally wouldn’t, in search of shade or water — this is often why animals, from turtles to moose, are found crossing roads in summertime.