Researchers proved their theory that these ground squirrels recycle nitrogen to retain their body tissue, including muscle, during extreme fasting. Recycling NutrientsĪ University of Alaska Fairbanks-led study found that Arctic ground squirrels recycle their body’s nutrients during hibernation. This is unique to Arctic ground squirrels and scientists are still trying to understand it. When the shivering and shaking stops, body temperature drops back down to below freezing. This raises their body temperature until it’s back to normal. This phenomenon is called ‘supercooling’ and occurs when the squirrels’ body temperatures drop below the freezing point.Įvery two to three weeks while in hibernation, Arctic ground squirrels shiver and shake for between 12 to 15 hours.

SupercoolingĪccording to the research, hibernating arctic ground squirrels’ body temperatures drop lower than that of any other mammal measured. Their heartbeat drops from 300 beats per minute to 3 or 4 beats per minute, and their metabolic rate drops by 90%. How Arctic Ground Squirrels Hibernateĭuring hibernation, Arctic ground squirrels only breathe every few minutes. They are common in the mountainous regions of Denali and spend 7 to 8 months hibernating in an underground burrow.

The Arctic Ground Squirrel (Urocitellus parryii) is the largest of its kind in North America. Thirteen-lined ground squirrels wake occasionally to snack on stored food, but even so, they lose up to a third of their body weight during hibernation. Their respiration rate falls from 50 breaths per minute to about four breaths per minute. They hibernate in underground burrows from August until March.ĭuring hibernation, their body temperature drops to just above freezing, and their heart rate drops from their usual 200 beats per minute to 20 beats per minute. In preparation for hibernation, thirteen-lined ground squirrels gain up to 4 grams of fat a day in the fall. How Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrels Hibernate They can be found as far as Ohio in the east, Arizona in the west, Alberta in the north, and the Texas coast in the south. Originating from the central North American prairie, the loss of natural habitat means these ground squirrels have adapted to living in pastures, golf courses, and parks. Their name comes from the thirteen alternating dark brown and tan strips running from their head down to the base of the tail. The Thirteen-lined ground squirrel (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) is a small squirrel. Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrels Image Source In warmer climates in Africa and tropical regions, ground squirrels are active throughout the year and do not hibernate. Tree squirrels, like the Eastern gray squirrel and the red squirrel, and flying squirrels do not hibernate in winter. In North America, this includes the Arctic ground squirrel and Thirteen-lined ground squirrel. In cold climates, ground squirrels are known to hibernate through the winter months. They sleep more than usual but don’t go into a dormant state of hibernation. The hibernation state, also known as torpor, helps an animal survive for weeks without eating and drinking which means they use far less energy than they would be sleeping. When a mammal sleeps, the heart rate and breathing slow down and body temperature drop, but during hibernation, these effects are more pronounced and the metabolism is severely depressed.ĭuring hibernation, an animal’s heart rate and breathing slow down, and their body temperature drops significantly for long periods. What Is the Difference Between Sleeping and Hibernating? In the following article, we answer these questions as well as how squirrels survive winter and why scientists are fascinated by hibernating squirrels.

Why do some squirrels sleep more during winter while others hibernate?Īnd what is the difference between sleeping and hibernating? In cold climates, ground squirrels hibernate. Tree squirrels and flying squirrels don’t hibernate, but they do sleep more during winter.

Squirrels hibernate