Arctic Ground Squirrel: The Mammal That Loses Memory in Winter, Recovers in Spring
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News18•28-01-2026, 08:46
Arctic Ground Squirrel: The Mammal That Loses Memory in Winter, Recovers in Spring
- •The Arctic Ground Squirrel (Urocitellus parryii) hibernates for up to 8 months in extreme cold regions like Alaska, Canada, and Siberia.
- •During hibernation, its body temperature drops to -2.9°C, heart rate slows to 1-5 bpm, and brain activity becomes almost zero, leading to memory loss.
- •Scientists observe that neurons shrink and synapses break during this period, a condition that would cause severe brain damage in humans.
- •Every 2-3 weeks, the squirrel briefly 'arouses' to raise its body temperature, a process believed to protect its brain.
- •Upon waking in spring, its brain fully recovers, neurons regrow, synapses regenerate, and memory is completely restored, even strengthened.
Why It Matters: The Arctic Ground Squirrel's unique hibernation offers insights into brain protection and memory regeneration.
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