People on social media have been urging the public to always ensure they keep a bowl of water outside in their gardens this summer.
Temperatures have been far higher than average recently for this time of year, and while it's great news for sunbathers, the heat doesn't come without its risks.
This is especially true for wildlife that live in our communities, as the sweltering heat means water is often harder to access, leading to animals and insects dying more frequently.
Yorkshire Live reports that these creatures have been struggling with the rising temperatures, with some spotting dead birds in the street.
And it's likely that other animals such as hedgehogs may also be finding it hard to locate sources of water.
That's why every household is being urged to leave a source of drinking water outside their house, either in the garden or on your driveway.
Doing this may help to hydrate creatures like foxes, hedgehogs, birds, bees and wasps, as they're all vital for a healthy ecosystem.
One Reddit user advised: "If you have a garden, try to leave a bowl of water out. Wildlife suffers from this heat as much as we do."
Another said: "Went and put some large saucers out after work yesterday once I saw this post. Didn’t take long for the birds to take advantage."
And a third built on the advice, adding: "Birds prefer their bowls and baths to be out in the open though, in case cats are lurking in bushes. Also, once one birds been and knows there's somewhere to have a wash and a drink, they will unironically come back with their family, friends, or flock, so keep the bowls in the same place and the numbers build up."
For those who really want to make a difference, The Wildlife Trust has issued some advice that people can follow all year round.
The Trust says: "During hot summer weather, it is important to have plenty of water for animals and birds to drink and bathe in. But don’t stop there!
"It is also important to keep the water topped up during the chilly winter months as sources of water can become frozen and more difficult to find.
"If you install a bird bath, make sure it has gradual edges and is roughly textured. If you want to go the extra mile, hanging a drip jug above your bird bath will attract more birds as they hear the dripping water."
This advice is worth keeping in mind for the next while, as Met Office forecasts show that temperatures are set to remain high.
Keeping a small bowl of water regularly topped up, with a few stones in it for birds to stand on, will really help to boost the hydration of any creature that lives nearby.
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