Denalidaze
Explore 7558235 Nursing Arctic Ground Squirrel
An Arctic ground squirrel is at the bottom of the food chain. This diurnal cute furry mammal is prey to bears, foxes, lynx, and eagles. During the summer months they live on tundra plants, seeds, and fruit to build up body fat for winter hibernation. Summer body temperature is 99F. Winter hibernation can be from August to April. During the long sleep, the core temperature can drop to 26.7 F, and heart rate drops to 1 BPM! The University of Alaska is studying this process to see how their bodies cope with the big change in body temperature. This info could aid in the transportation of organs to be transplanted.
The little brown fur-balls can provide lots of entertainment for those with a curious mind. Locals call them the Texas Grizzly! Their pelts are often used as decorations on the parkas.
In this shot, Mom is nursing the younger squirrel. I have been to Alaska on over 50 trips, but have only seen this behavior on this one occasion. Enjoy!
Explore 7558235 Nursing Arctic Ground Squirrel
An Arctic ground squirrel is at the bottom of the food chain. This diurnal cute furry mammal is prey to bears, foxes, lynx, and eagles. During the summer months they live on tundra plants, seeds, and fruit to build up body fat for winter hibernation. Summer body temperature is 99F. Winter hibernation can be from August to April. During the long sleep, the core temperature can drop to 26.7 F, and heart rate drops to 1 BPM! The University of Alaska is studying this process to see how their bodies cope with the big change in body temperature. This info could aid in the transportation of organs to be transplanted.
The little brown fur-balls can provide lots of entertainment for those with a curious mind. Locals call them the Texas Grizzly! Their pelts are often used as decorations on the parkas.
In this shot, Mom is nursing the younger squirrel. I have been to Alaska on over 50 trips, but have only seen this behavior on this one occasion. Enjoy!