They hoard food in their dens and fatten up at the same time to get ready for the winter. Their pre-winter activities allow them to store up enough food and energy to last through the winter. Squirrel species do not hibernate because it is not necessary for their survival, unlike other animals that live in severe cold conditions or harsher climates where resources are scarce. It all depends on the weather and how much food there is available. They can last anywhere from a couple of hours to days. They go into torpor for a few days and then wake up again to eat food that they store. Squirrels in warmer climates typically don’t hibernate. If the weather is mild, they may even skip hibernation altogether! Their metabolism slows down, but they can still wake up and forage for food if they need to. Unlike other animals in the winter, squirrels do not completely shut down. Some places may only have a short hibernation period, while others can go longer than six months depending on their environment. The answer to how long they are in the state of torpor is, it depends on where they live and the resources available. So depending on what you call hibernation, squirrels can “hibernate” from October to April. However, they go into a state called torpor where their metabolism slows down and they don’t need to eat or drink as much. Well, if we’re talking about true hibernation, where the animal’s body shuts down, tree squirrels don’t do that. Squirrels in the north and west of North America and Europe typically hibernate longer than ones from southern areas. Some places depending on their resources may not have a long hibernation period. For example, if it’s below 50 degrees Fahrenheit outside, you’ll probably find a squirrel snoozing away. If the temperature is too cold for them to be active, they will go into torpor. Squirrels spend less time foraging for food and more time resting in this state. They usually go to torpor from October to April but it varies depending on where they live. This way they can save on energy and make it through the winter. This means that the squirrel’s metabolism slows down, and it doesn’t need to eat or drink as much. Although their bodies do not shut down just like other animals during the winter, they go into a state called torpor. However, they do have a few tricks up their sleeves. Do Squirrels Hibernate?Ĭommon tree squirrels like the grey squirrel do not hibernate. The state of torpor along with other winter survival strategies is how squirrels make it through the cold months. They may seem like they’re hibernating because they enter a resting state where their heart rate and body temperature drop, but they can easily be awakened. Squirrels usually enter torpor when the temperature outside becomes too cold for them to be active (usually below 50 degrees Fahrenheit). Torpor is very similar to hibernation but it’s not as deep or as long. The thing is, squirrels, tree squirrels, in particular, do not hibernate. Hibernation allows most wild animals that live in very cold places to conserve energy and avoid starving during winter months when food is scarce. One way they do this is by slowing down their metabolism and entering hibernation. To make it through the winter, animals need to minimize their energy use. Winter makes the resources of animals scarce.
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