Thursday, October 9, 2014

Almost Torpor Season

Chipmunks dont hibernate, just go into torpor state.

"They live off their hoard all winter long. Unlike other mammals like bats, Eastern Chipmunks do not lay on the fat for winter. Instead, they rely on good food stored in the pantry. All winter long chipmunks eat and chill out, eat and chill out. I am not just using “chill out” to be cool. They really do chill out falling into torpor for up to eight days.   Torpor is characterized by reduced body temperature, oxygen consumption, heart rate and breathing which all lead to much lower energy use. It makes a mouth full of sunflower seeds go a long way."

 - See more at: http://blog.audubonguides.com/2010/03/01/backyard-chipmunks-living-the-good-life/#sthash.GTL4vo5r.dpuf






Diagram found online of chipmunk's home!

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