ANIMAL NEWS -

Stress on pregnant squirrels makes their pups grow faster

 

 

Stress on pregnant squirrels, not food, is the key to their pups' speeded up growth rate. 
 

A larger young squirrel has an edge in crowded surroundings with limited territory and limited food. 
 

Scientists played recordings of territorial squirrel vocalizations (known as "rattles") to trick moms into thinking that the forests were more densely populated.
 

A boost of stress during pregnancy helps red squirrels ensure that their pups will grow fast, due to the stress hormone cortisol. Increased cortisol even gave a boost to offspring born in big litters, which tend to have slower growth rates.
 

But there is a tradeoff to this speedy growth rate: as adults they will have shorter lives.
 

More on Red Squirrels Super-moms
http://www.livescience.com/28892-red-squirrels-stress-offspring.html

Red Squirrels moms and cute babies - picture gallery-
http://www.livescience.com/28891-images-red-squirrel-babies.html