13-lined ground squirrel onset of hibernation genetic mapping

13-lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) are obligate hibernators. When housed in an animal facility, 13-lined ground squirrels exhibit individual variation in the seasonal onset of hibernation, which is not explained by environmental or biological factors, such as body mass and sex. The purpose of this study is to estimate the heritability of, and identify genetic variants associated with, the seasonal onset of hibernation in this species.