After summer, ground squirrels start stocking up on food for their winter
hibernation. To survive the long winter months underground in their
hibernation burrows, they must store a large amount of energy as fat.
Ground squirrels go into a state of torpor when they hibernate. Their
metabolic rate can drop to 1% of its summertime level, and their core body
temperature can plunge to near freezing. The animal can conserve energy by
going into torpor until spring. The body’s tissues and organs cannot be
maintained without a steady supply of protein, which is unavailable during
such a prolonged fast. Muscles are especially vulnerable to this issue.
hibernation. To survive the long winter months underground in their
hibernation burrows, they must store a large amount of energy as fat.
Ground squirrels go into a state of torpor when they hibernate. Their
metabolic rate can drop to 1% of its summertime level, and their core body
temperature can plunge to near freezing. The animal can conserve energy by
going into torpor until spring. The body’s tissues and organs cannot be
maintained without a steady supply of protein, which is unavailable during
such a prolonged fast. Muscles are especially vulnerable to this issue.
