Tiny Pygmy-Possums Can Smell Smoke And Move While Dormant

When the Australian pygmy-possum goes dormant to save energy, it doesn't completely lose its ability to respond to danger. Pygmy-possums can smell smoke and begin to climb while in a state of torpor, scientists from the University of New England in Armidale, Australia reported today in the journal The Science of Nature. The results offer evidence that hibernating animals can wake up and flee an oncoming blaze.