Claire. Posted September 30, 2016 #1 Share Posted September 30, 2016 Q&A: Why is this researcher putting Fitbits on squirrels? Activity trackers like Fitbits and Jawbones help fitness enthusiasts log the calories they burn, their heart rates, and even how many flights of stairs they climb in a day. Biologist Cory Williams of Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff is using similar technology to track the energy consumption of arctic ground squirrels in Alaska—insight that may reveal how the animals efficiently forage for food while avoiding being picked off by golden eagles. This week, Williams published a study in Royal Society Open Science that compared the activity levels of male and female squirrels. He found that although males spend a lot more time outside of their burrows, they’re pretty lazy, and sometimes just bask in the sun during warmer months. Females, on the other hand, have limited time to spare when caring for their young, and use it to run around and forage for themselves and their babies. In addition to previous work on arctic ground squirrel hibernation and seasonal differences in behavior, the finding is helping his team figure out why males tend to be more susceptible to being eaten. Read more: Science 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aka CAT Posted September 30, 2016 #2 Share Posted September 30, 2016 (edited) *Blush* I'm a little more expert on squirrels than I'd like to admit, but, not having read the article yet, I know of a couple of reasons why male squirrels are more likely to get eaten. Not only do females' young become more vulnerable when their mothers are trying to move them to safer locations, e.g. hollow trees, but, in the meantime, males will altruistically divert hawks' attention upon themselves. I have witnessed such behavior in males with mutually strong attachments to preyed upon females. In fact, some pairs are almost monogamous in that a male can be so possessive of his favorite female that he will stick exclusively with her while others females are concurrently in season. Edited September 30, 2016 by aka CAT 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmccr8 Posted September 30, 2016 #3 Share Posted September 30, 2016 I guess I should stop and check on all the flat fuzzy ones in the middle of the street to see if they are males jmccr8 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dark_Grey Posted September 30, 2016 #4 Share Posted September 30, 2016 Quote Biologist Cory Williams of Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff is using similar technology to track the energy consumption of arctic ground squirrels in Alaska You have to wonder if Cory Williams knew his Biology degree would land him here 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aka CAT Posted September 30, 2016 #5 Share Posted September 30, 2016 (edited) I sure miss Fat Freddy and Squirrel E. Pooh. But, if Cory is anything like the former, he must be a fearlessly self-sacrificing guy. The part about fearlessness reminds me of other reasons why male squirrels are more likely to get eaten: More apt to taunt dogs, they need take care to stay fit, i.e. even knowing overfed 'Freddy' my favorite squirrel, the watch dog of my bird feeder decided he'd teased her for the last time. Edited September 30, 2016 by aka CAT 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+OverSword Posted September 30, 2016 #6 Share Posted September 30, 2016 Clair, why are you posting this anti-man propaganda disguised as squirrel research? 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Claire. Posted September 30, 2016 Author #7 Share Posted September 30, 2016 1 hour ago, OverSword said: Clair, why are you posting this anti-man propaganda disguised as squirrel research? Oh crap, you're on to me. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aka CAT Posted October 1, 2016 #8 Share Posted October 1, 2016 (edited) 4 hours ago, OverSword said: Clair, why are you posting this anti-man propaganda disguised as squirrel research? Yes, and next time someone calls you squirrel, OverSword, you'll know it due to your chivalry. Edited October 1, 2016 by aka CAT 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zenith Posted October 2, 2016 #9 Share Posted October 2, 2016 On 2016-09-30 at 8:14 PM, aka CAT said: Yes, and next time someone calls you squirrel, OverSword, you'll know it due to your chivalry. Or a lazy good for nothing who just wants to bask in the sun. At least according to Clair. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aka CAT Posted October 2, 2016 #10 Share Posted October 2, 2016 (edited) Give a squirrel a break. A symbol of bravery has to conserve his energy. After all, Fat Freddy had to reveal his cache to keep Squirrel E. Pooh. Sure he hoarded more than his share of nuts, but he kept 'em safe... All's well that ends well. And, ultimately, he did prove himself a good provider. Edited October 2, 2016 by aka CAT 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aka CAT Posted October 2, 2016 #11 Share Posted October 2, 2016 (edited) Check out their wedding photos They went to Vegas Their first dance Freddy Jr. Edited October 2, 2016 by aka CAT 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timothy Posted October 3, 2016 #12 Share Posted October 3, 2016 A recent and very comprehensive study also said that people without these fitness gadgets lose more weight than those with. So this 'Cory Williams' may be himself lazy, and projecting himself on to the poor male squirrels. What a homewrecker! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aka CAT Posted October 3, 2016 #13 Share Posted October 3, 2016 9 hours ago, Timonthy said: A recent and very comprehensive study also said that people without these fitness gadgets lose more weight than those with. So this 'Cory Williams' may be himself lazy, and projecting himself on to the poor male squirrels. What a homewrecker! Some people's daily chores keep them fit, while squirrel's spectacular feats are quite an exercise. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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