Animals Fast Too

Ground Squirrels

Ground squirrels fast for days at a time in winters. Squirrels that live in places with cold winters are very active in the autumn. They gather nuts, pinecones, and seeds and hide them in various places to eat during winter.

Ground squirrels hibernate or remain dormant as long as eight months of the year. During hibernation, their heart rate slows to only a fraction of its normal rate, and they might breathe only once every couple of minutes. However, they wake up for a short period every four or five days to eat from their stored food.

When the warm weather begins in spring, the squirrels become fully awake and active. They happily seek fresh provision that Allah (swt) has provided them.