Can gerbil survive in cold weather?

Gerbils are small desert rodents originating from Mongolia and Northern China which have adapted to live in warm, dry environments where temperatures typically range from 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Gerbils can only survive for short periods of time in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit and are at high risk for cold stress and hypothermia when exposed to such conditions. To prevent cold stress and hypothermia, gerbils should always be kept in warm environments with bedding, and the use of heating elements such as heat lamps and heat rocks during colder weather conditions helps.