The Role of Environmental Factors in Hibernation of Woodchucks (Marmota Monax)

摘要: Laboratory experiments, based on knowledge of the natural environment, have been conducted to determine role various factors in entrance into and emergence from hibernation. Woodchucks, captured wild were kept rooms at several tempera- tures or coolers 6?C. They fed deprived according experimental program. Experiments showed that woodchucks food 60 C became torpid but 6?C did not. Some 20?C lethargic winter. Minor disturbances laboratory do not arouse woodchucks. Woodchucks eat when aroused become again unless deprived. Thin wood- chucks as readily fat ones. The latency torpidity varies with season, being short (a week) December March long month) summer. chuck has bouts torpor are (4 5 days) first longer (10 12 days). arousal last 2 3 days. Hibernation nature lasts 4 months although presumably woodchuck is for only months. In may remain hibernation (alternating arousal) up 8 stimulus final was determined. Emergence burrow Chambersburg, Penn- sylvania occurred between January 29 8& February years. date had no relation local weather. exposed very low temperatures (-20?C) promptly.