Monday, September 3, 2007

Denali animal stories number 3: The Amazing Arctic Squirrel



All the park tourists strain for a sight of "THE BIG FOUR": Grizzly bears, Caribou, Moose, and Mountain Sheep. One of our bus drivers, was kind enough introduce us to a really exciting animal, The Amazing Arctic Squirrel. In vitro, the Arctic Squirrel's blood will freeze at the freezing point, 0 degrees C. Scientists have been surprised to find that in vivo, the squirrel's blood will remain liquid at a temperature of -2 degrees C. This is important since the squirrels live in an area of permafrost and are unable to burrow deeply in the ground, hibernating in temperatures sometimes below freezing. The nutritional value of the squirrel is also impressive. One petite squirrel provides a tasty 3.000 calories. Finally, it is surprising to learn that this squirrel is a predator as well as a prey. Like the wolves it enjoys munching on ... snowshoe rabbits, but in the baby size.

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