From Sweetbriar Nature Center

Video link (smoother playback)

Bathing is important for all animals! We caught Newton towards the end of his bath, and I hope you enjoy this short video of him getting squeaky clean!

Did you know that many animals have their own unique bathing rituals? Birds like Newton use a special oil from a gland on their backs to preen their feathers, keeping them smooth and clean. Some birds take water baths, while others prefer dust baths. Even clever ravens and crows use ants to keep their feathers parasite-free! Cats, big and small, have amazing scratchy tongues with tiny, hook-like spines that help them groom their fur and stay cool. And let’s not forget about our furry friends-the classic “wet dog shake” helps dogs get rid of 70% of the water after a bath! Even honeybees have their own grooming routine, cleaning off pollen while they fly!

Some animals even get a little dirty on purpose to camouflage themselves or to attract attention for grooming from others. Capuchin monkeys are known for their unique anointing rituals where they use strong- smelling substances like limes and onions, along with ants and millipedes to bathe with.

So, next time you wish you could skip the bath, remember: a quick shower is way easier than letting birds peck at your skin!