Don Balke (B. 1933) "Ground Squirrel"

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Multi Estate Fine Art & Antique Auction

By Helmuth Stone Gallery

Aug 6, 2023

Set Reminder 2023-08-06 15:00:00 2023-08-06 15:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Multi Estate Fine Art & Antique Auction https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/helmuth-stone-gallery/multi-estate-fine-art-antique-auction-13304
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• Lot Description
  Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Ground Squirrel" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor on Illustration Board.
  
  Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.
  
  This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 37c Ground Squirrel Arctic Animals stamp issue of July 2, 2003. The arctic ground squirrel Spermophilus parryii was nicknamed "tsik-tsik" by Alaska's Inupiat Eskimos because of the distinctive call it makes to warn other squirrels of nearby predators, even using different variations to warn of different kinds of predators. It usually feeds around high noon, often stuffing its cheeks full of leaves or seeds (Spermophilus means "lover of seeds") to take back to its den for future snacking. Since summer daylight is continuous and very little tundra vegetation exists to provide cover from predators, the "tsik-tsik" keeps a low profile, traveling with its body pressed closely to the ground in a movement known as "tundra glide." In preparation for fall hibernation, it fattens up on flowers, seeds, mushrooms and berries, nearly doubling its body weight over the summer months. The arctic ground squirrel also stores food in its burrow to ensure that when it awakes from its seven-month nap it has something to eat while waiting for spring plants to grow. During hibernation, its body temperature drops from 98.6? F to an incredibly cold 26.4? F -- the lowest known body temperature of any living mammal! In a feat which continues to mystify modern science, this amazing creature allows the temperature of its body fluids to drop below freezing without crystallizing into ice and causing major tissue damage. During the long winter, this impressive rodent will periodically rouse itself -- briefly raising its body temperature by more than 70? F in just four hours.
  
  Image Size: 7 x 6 in.
  Overall Size: 14 x 13 in.
  Unframed. (B17100)

  Condition

  
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