Limits RegistryPUBLIC RECORD
Limits RegistryArctic ground squirrels (Urocitellus parryii) in northern Alaska have been recorded hibernating for up to 8 months of the year, with body temperatures dropping below freezing (as low as -2.9°C) — the most extreme sustained torpor documented in a mammal. This exceeds the typical 5-7 month hibernation of black bears in duration relative to the animal's short active season.
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Arctic ground squirrels (Urocitellus parryii) in northern Alaska have been recorded hibernating for up to 8 months of the year, with body temperatures dropping below freezing (as low as -2.9°C) — the most extreme sustained torpor documented in a mammal. This exceeds the typical 5-7 month hibernation of black bears in duration relative to the animal's short active season.
The longest single continuous hibernation (torpor) period documented under natural or near-natural conditions for a mammal species, excluding brief interspersed arousals treated as breaking continuity.
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Permanent ID limitsregistry.com/limits/LR-LONGEST-ANIMAL-HIBERNATION
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Limits Registry. LR-LONGEST-ANIMAL-HIBERNATION. Longest continuous hibernation period documented in a mammal. 2026.