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Squirrels affected by climate change
Hibernation is prolonged for Columbian ground squirrels

Columbian ground squirrels from the Rocky Mountain range in Canada are hibernating ten days longer than they used to, due to the affects of climate change.

A team from the University of Alberta (U of A) in Canada have been researching the hibernation trends of these squirrels over the last 20 years, and have discovered that they are now hibernating for ten days longer, which is having a harmful affect on the species.

Trends show that the late spring snowfall in the Rocky Mountain area may be the cause for the late wake up call, and the research teams' concern is that the squirrels are already on a tight schedule.

'Losing just ten days during their short active period reduces their opportunity to eat enough food so they can survive through the next hibernation period of eight to nine months,' said Jeff Lane, U of A Evolutionary Ecologist. 'Our data shows that over the life of the study, the survival rate of adult females has fallen by 20 per cent'.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.