Sploot Season is Coming to an End
Updated: 18 hours ago
by Lizzie Higgins, PHLT Summer Intern
“Sploot” as a term has risen in popularity to describe the position animals are often seen lounging in with their hind legs spread out behind them to stretch and maximize contact with the ground. Etymology experts aren’t entirely sure where the word, popularized by the Internet, originates but some speculate it could be a combination of “splay” and “cute.” As the Poconos heat up for the summer, splooting becomes more common among wildlife trying to cool off by pressing their belly to the cooler ground to diffuse some heat. The position may be familiar to those who own pets, as it’s also very common for dogs to relax and sploot in the heat or simply to stretch out their backs, just as humans would.
Splooting in any animal is nothing to be concerned about. Even if it’s not hot, some will still use it to stretch out their back and legs. In fact, if an animal suddenly stops splooting after regularly enjoying the position, it could be a sign of old age through decreased hip mobility. It will be more common to see animals in this position in hot weather, especially wild animals, as they use it to cool off and prevent overheating. The rising popularity of the Internet term has led to multiple declarations of “sploot season,” including one from the U.S. National Park Service recommended four-legged creatures to “sploot like nobody is watching.” Animals have long taken advantage of this position to maximize cooling off in the shade and it has gained trendiness among humans as well through the Internet.
