Science

Big extended families help adult female ground squirrels survive hibernation

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 04/11/2026, 19:10:24 UTC.

Briefings

A 2026 study by Jill Mateo and colleagues at the University of Chicago reveals that adult female Belding's ground squirrels have higher survival rates during hibernation when living near more adult female kin. The research, published in PLOS One on November 4, 2026, indicates that this benefit is specific to females and does not extend to males or young females. The study provides the first evidence that extended family networks specifically aid female survival in this species.

Key points

• Adult female Belding's ground squirrels survive hibernation better when living near more adult female kin.
• This survival benefit is exclusive to adult females and does not apply to males or young females.

Context

Research published in PLOS One on November 4, 2026, by Jill Mateo and colleagues at the University of Chicago, provides the first evidence that extended family networks specifically aid female survival in this species.

Limitations

The study covers only adult female Belding's ground squirrels and does not include males or young females. Data is limited to the period of hibernation and does not account for environmental factors or individual health conditions.

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