Buzz
After enduring a long, cold winter, the warmth of sunny summer days is hard to resist. But, with those days comes a potential downside—sunburn. While it’s common advice for humans to apply sunscreen before stepping into the sun, what about animals?
“Animals, like humans, can suffer from sunburn if they’re exposed to too much sunlight,” explained Paul Calle, the chief veterinarian at the Wildlife Conservation Society in the Bronx, in an interview with The New York Times.
However, the Sun impacts different species in different ways. “Wild animals are exceptionally well-suited to their environments, so those living in regions with abundant sunlight are often equipped with scales, feathers, or fur for protection,” Calle noted. “They also seek refuge in burrows, shady spots, or water; they wallow in mud or water; or spray dust or water on themselves when the Sun is at its peak.”
So, which animals are most vulnerable to sunburn? According to Tony Barthel, curator of the Elephant House and the Cheetah Conservation Station at Smithsonian’s National Zoo, elephants, rhinos, and sheep that have recently been sheared are particularly at risk. Research has also shown signs of sun damage in the cells of blue whales, fin whales, and sperm whales.
However, some species have adapted ways to shield themselves. For example, the first eight or nine inches of a giraffe’s tongue are black, while the rest is pink. “Some speculate that giraffes have black tongues because they often keep them out of their mouths and want to avoid sunburn,” Barthel shared with Smithsonian.
Similarly, hippos “produce a pinkish secretion that forms droplets on their faces or behind their ears or necks.” This fluid is known to absorb UV rays and prevent the growth of bacteria.
Snakes and reptiles benefit from their scales, which not only shield them from UV rays but also help retain moisture.
When nature doesn’t offer enough protection, some animals have devised their own strategies. Calle explains that certain animals instinctively protect themselves. For instance, elephants throw sand onto their bodies to avoid sunburn (and to ward off pesky bugs!). This behavior is taught, as adults demonstrate it to their young.
“That’s likely a part of the learning process,” Barthel explains. “Not only are they caring for their young, but they’re also teaching them that this behavior is necessary.”
If you’re aiming to shield a pet from harmful UV rays, How Stuff Works recommends using dog sunscreen, available at pet stores. Horse and Hound even suggests that children’s sunscreen can work for horses!
However, Calle points out that “for both humans and animals, the best defense is to avoid prolonged exposure to intense sunlight.”
