Arctic ground squirrels are altering their hibernation patterns in response to climate change

Arctic ground squirrels are unique among mammals. Their ability to keep from freezing even when body temperatures dip below that mark on the thermometer enables them to survive extreme winter climates. New research published in Science analyzes more than 25 years of climate and biological data. The findings include shorter hibernation periods and differences between male and female hibernation periods. Spoiler alert—the girls "rise and shine" a little earlier in response to warming, which could have both positive and negative ripple effects throughout the food web in these ecosystems.