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How often do Arctic ground squirrels awaken during hibernation?
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Dormancy
Virginia big-eared bats (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianushibernating) are true hibernators, entering a state close to death for much of the winter.
Arctic ground squirrels do not remain in a continuous state of hibernation throughout the winter. Instead, they awaken at intervals of every three weeks or less.1
During these arousal periods, the squirrels may move around and occasionally emerge from their burrows. These awakenings occur more frequently at the beginning and end of the hibernation season compared to mid-hibernation, and they are less frequent when the ambient temperature is lower. While these periods allow animals that store food to replenish their energy, they are metabolically expensive; a single period of wakefulness consumes more heat and energy than many days spent in hibernation.1