Viral cooling trend puts heat-stressed wildlife at risk

Driving the news: Greenwood says more overheated animals are arriving at its facility soaking wet after people pour water on them or directly into their mouths.

• Animals should be cooled and rehydrated slowly to avoid additional stress on their systems.
• People can offer water in a small, shallow dish but shouldn't force an animal to eat or drink.
• Animals that approach humans for help may already be in critical condition and should be taken to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

Reality check: Colorado's record heat and drought are taking a toll on wildlife.

• Dry conditions have forced birds to gather around limited water sources, making diseases like avian influenza easier to spread, according to Greenwood.
• Scarce food and water have pushed wildlife deeper into urban areas, a trend that has been especially noticeable with bears.

How you can help: Greenwood's Wild Night for Wildlife gala is 5-9pm Sept. 19, at Nissi's Event Center in Lafayette.

• The center's biggest annual fundraiser features dinner, cocktails, live music, silent and live auctions and wildlife-themed games.
• Early-bird tickets are $175 through Monday.