Journal

Arctic Ground Squirrels

Handling a hibernating ground squirrel
Stan Skotnicki handles a hibernating Arctic ground squirrel

Today we took a break from the classroom and headed to the Museum of the North to meet with Jeanette Moore from the University of Alaska in Fairbanks to discuss the Arctic ground squirrel. Jeanette has a lab designed to simulate temperatures required for the ground squirrels to hibernation in the wild. Towards the end of our discussion she pulled out a cooler with a squirrel in it's hibernating cycle for all of us to hold. This species is native to the Arctic and lives primarily on the tundra where it will burrow into the permafrost layer up to 3 meters deep. These little guys start hibernating in August and do not wake until March/April.

Facts during hibernation

  • lowers its body temperature to -2°C
  • slows its breathing to just 1-3 breathes per minute
  • slows heart rate to 1 beat per minute
  • decreases its blood pressure
  • lowers its blood supply to the brain
  • has zero brain wave activity during hibernation - WOW!

Video

Check out my video for a recap of what we learned about these fascinating creatures.

Comments

Thu, 02/11/2016 - 07:46

Sarah

Great journal Stan!

Thu, 02/11/2016 - 07:53

ronnie

that is a nice photo

Thu, 02/11/2016 - 11:02

Kelly McCarthy

Hi Stan,
Great journal! Your format is so easy to follow and great photo with the sleeping beauty! I like that you brought in an informational video about the ground squirrels too. Can't wait to follow the rest of your expedition as you head off to Russia!

Kelly

Thu, 02/11/2016 - 11:37

Stanley Skotnicki

Thank you Kelly - I just subscribed to your expedition and am also looking forward to following your progress.

Thu, 02/11/2016 - 13:00

Bruce Taterka

Stanley - Looking forward to following your expedition and learning about permafrost in Siberia. Nice squirrel report!- Bruce

Fri, 03/04/2016 - 06:48

Stanley Skotnicki

Thank you Bruce - I am really excited to be a part of the PolarTREC team and thanks again for inspiring us with your talk at orientation.

Thu, 02/11/2016 - 21:54

Cara Pekarcik

Stan - great video! I wonder what types of wildlife you will come across in Russia. I look forward to following your journey!

Wed, 02/10/2016 - 22:28

Janet Warburton

This is such a cute photo of the squirrel and I love the face! I still can't get over that they have zero brain waves during hibernation. That's just crazy. Great journal Stan! I can't watch the video because the internet is too slow here but will catch it tomorrow. Welcome to PolarTREC!