When we think about hibernation we usually associate it with bears. Bears curl up during the worst of the winter and place themselves on hold until spring.But other animals hibernate, too. Arctic ground squirrels hibernation skills may hold lessons for humans to improve their health.
According to PBS Arctic ground squirrels (Urocitellus parryi) may be able to teach us a thing or two about mental health in adverse circumstances.
PBS said:
“Here at the University of Alaska Fairbanks researchers are trying to understand the biological mechanisms that allow squirrels to withstand such extreme conditions and bounce back completely healthy. They found that when the squirrels hibernate, they cycle in and out of a deep sleep called torpor.”
The torpid states allows the squirrels to survive with a 32 degree body temperature. Their hearts beat about five times a minute and they breathe about once a minute. But they periodically cycle out of this torpor in order to complete biological processes they need to survive.
When winter ends they wake up with no damage and quite healthy. Clearly, this adaptation has evolved to help the squirrels survive the harsh climate.
Studying Arctic ground squirrels is hoped to provide answers to help people survive brain injury. It is well known that low temperature prevents brain damage. But can humans find a way to cycle in and out of very low temperature?
Squirrels have a mixed reputation among humans. Some see them as adorable animal friends, others see a harmful nuisance. Michigan recently added four types of squirrels to the nuisance list. That means no permit or other permission is needed to kill them. It would be ironic if an animal people think so little of holds secrets that may help humans with brain illness such as stroke.