Weather fouls ground squirrel’s winter schedule
WILDLIFE WATCHING -- Normally, ground squirrels would be sleeping away the winter on the 2nd of February, or at least staying out of the normally cold weather.
But this Richardson's ground squirrel apparently was doing its best Ground Hog Day impersonation on Monday.
This bold little beast was caught through the lens by Montana outdoor photographer Jaime Johnson, who hoped it would go to sleep fast when it got back in its burrow.
"All I can say is Richardson's ground squirrel is confused! He's going to have a few cold night coming!"
Actually, ground squirrels do not remain torpid continuously throughout hibernation, scientists say. They spontaneously arouse from and re-enter torpor at frequent intervals.
