Hibernating Meadow Jumping Mouse on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts

Abstract

Observations were made of subterranean nests of Zapus hudsonius on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, and three individuals in hibernation. Behavior of one individual that broke dormancy shortly after discovery is discussed, as well as that of another kept in captivity and in dormancy most of the time for about 5 months. Rectal and skin temperatures were measured in the latter and are discussed. Breathing rate and temperature regulation generally resembled those of other hibernating mammal species, and there was no evidence that the insular population differs physiologically and behaviorally from the mainland population.