Chipmunk hibernation

Chipmunk hibernation is a unique process compared to other animals that fully sleep through the winter. Instead of continuous hibernation, chipmunks enter a state of torpor, where their body temperature and heart rate drop significantly to conserve energy. However, unlike true hibernators, chipmunks periodically wake up every few days or weeks to eat from their stored food supplies. This is why their fall foraging activities are so crucial, as they rely on the caches of seeds, nuts, and other food they collect to survive the winter months.

During hibernation, chipmunks stay within their burrows, where they have created specialized chambers for nesting and food storage. These underground burrows are well-insulated, helping the chipmunks maintain a stable environment even as temperatures drop outside. The duration of their hibernation depends on the climate; in colder regions, chipmunks may remain in torpor longer, while in milder areas, they might wake up more frequently. To support chipmunks during winter, people can provide food sources in their yards or create sheltered areas where chipmunks can build safe burrows, ensuring they have what they need to make it through the season.