A 13-lined Ground Squirrel during hibernation. The ground squirrel was with us over the winter of 2013 and was released in the spring. During hibernation, we could pick it up and it was totally unaware. Also see our post from yesterday with the pic of the baby 13-lined Ground Squirrel we are currently raising. | Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation

During hibernation, thirteen-lined ground squirrels enter a restful state known as torpor, punctuated by periods of activity known as interbout arousal. Throughout these active stretches, squirrels never consume water—even if it’s offered to them. Neurophysiologists describe their work to understand the mechanisms that allow these animals to suppress their thirst during hibernation: https://scim.ag/434sJL5 | Science