Wildlife
Arctic ground squirrels shelter in shallow burrows on the tundra, usually inhabiting areas where the permafrost does not prevent digging. To survive the harsh arctic winters, they hibernate for seven months of the year, during which time their body temperature can sink below freezing.
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Winter hibernation
Missing the winter entirely seems a good plan in such cold conditions.
Arctic ground squirrels begin to feed up in the autumn, almost doubling their weight. As winter sets in they retreat to their underground burrows to bypass the winter entirely in hibernation. Unlike many other species which hibernate, Arctic ground squirrels can drop their body to temperature to minus 3 degrees centigrade, they warm up temporarily every few weeks by shivering, possibly to help prevent permanent brain damage.
Species range provided by WWF's Wildfinder.
The Arctic ground squirrel can be found in a number of locations including: Arctic, Asia, North America, Russia. Find out more about these places and what else lives there.
The following habitats are found across the Arctic ground squirrel distribution range. Find out more about these environments, what it takes to live there and what else inhabits them.
Discover what these behaviours are and how different plants and animals use them.
Additional data source: Animal Diversity Web
Least Concern
Population trend: Unknown
Year assessed: 2008
Classified by: IUCN 3.1
The Arctic ground squirrel (Urocitellus parryii) is a species of ground squirrel native to the Arctic. People in Alaska, particularly around the Aleutians, refer to them as "Parka" (pronounced "par'kee") squirrels. probably because their pelt is good for making the fur edging on the hoods of Parka style jackets.
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Mountain grassland
Mountains
Temperate grassland
Tundra
Helpless young
Colonial
Hierarchical
Burrower
Tactile sense
Acoustic communication
Herbivorous
Hibernation
Maternal care
Social
Cold tolerant
Adapted to running
Chemical communication
Territorial
Torpor
Viviparous