Instead, they will look for indoor shelter to escape the elements. Ground squirrels retreat into their underground burrows, where they spend the winter in the form of hibernation. The ground squirrels that do hibernate prefer to stay nearer to warm places so they’ll choose their location wisely. They lower their body temperatures to about one degree higher than that of the temperature outside their burrows. 10. Firstly it’s important to say, not all ground squirrels hibernate. The researchers studied 31 golden-mantled ground squirrels, a native of California, in a laboratory. North American ground squirrels (genus Spermophilus) inhabit seasonally variable environments in which ecological conditions favorable for breeding and rearing young are restricted to a few months each year. These squirrels normally spend 5 to 6 months each year in hibernation, during which time their core body temperature drops to 1-2 degrees C above the air temperature around them. Tree squirrels, like the eastern gray squirrel, fox squirrel, and red squirrel, do not hibernate. Ground squirrel. Ground Squirrels: Ground squirrels like the California Ground Squirrel dig burrows that are used for protection from predators, food storage and a place to wait out the cold months. Groundhog hibernation gave rise to the popular U.S. custom of Groundhog Day, held on the second of February every year. Squirrels often enter through holes in the roof line, behind siding, or down chimneys. Some ground squirrels don't hibernate if they are in climates where the winters don't get too cold. Accordingly, these species have evolved annual activity cycles that include a 5-8 Ground squirrels do hibernate. Hibernation Period: 7 – 9 months. Several people have asked me whether ground squirrels hibernate. Middle to late October is usually when these rodents go into hibernation. Every week or so, the squirrels wake up for about 12-20 hours and then go into hibernation again. When temperatures become too cold to endure, animals like bears, turtles, groundhogs, bats and squirrels slip into a deep state of hibernation to … A ground squirrel’s heart will beat only a few times in a minute during hibernation. During hibernation, the squirrel goes into a state akin to suspended animation. During the hottest times of the year, most adults go into a period of inactivity, called estivation, that can last a few days to a week or more. During the Hibernation Period: Although they never fall into a deep sleep, they will slow down quite a bit during the winter months. During winter months, most ground squirrels hibernate, but some young can be active at this time, particularly in areas where winters aren't severe. Ground Squirrels. Where Ground Squirrels Hibernate: Not all ground squirrels hibernate, but those that do choose to stay in their underground homes for their winter rest. 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