Animals can adapt to increasingly frequent cold snaps

Date:

April 9, 2015

Source:

University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

Summary:

There is substantial genetic variation in nature for both long-term seasonal acclimation and short-term acclimation associated with rapid extreme weather events, a new study shows. While much of the emphasis regarding climate change is on overall warming, increased frequency of extreme weather events is also a critical concern. As fall and spring temperatures rise, animals will increasingly have to deal with rapid changes from warm conditions to dangerously cold temperatures as weather fronts sweep through.

Continued ...

Hedgehog rescues rise due to cold snaps

The number of hedgehogs being rescued by the Scottish SPCA has increased by almost 10% in the last 12 months.

The National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Clackmannanshire said 707 of the spiny mammals were taken in during 2012, compared with 647 the previous year and 650 in 2010.

The animal charity said the creatures had been victims of sudden cold snaps.

Already this year, the SSPCA centre at Fishcross is caring for 27 hedgehogs struggling with the low temperatures.

Staff said they were preparing to welcome more of the animals as forecasts for poor weather conditions continue.

Weather threats

Centre manager Colin Seddon said: "We think the sudden cold snaps we've experienced during what has been a relatively mild winter has caught a lot of these hedgehogs off guard.

"They may have thought it was warm enough to be out and then, when the temperature dropped suddenly, they were left vulnerable to the elements.

"Another factor is heavy rain spells as these will have washed some of the hedgehogs away from their nests."

He added: "We are continuing to take in hedgehogs due to the return of snow and freezing temperatures.

Continued:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-21127846