What animals hibernate?

_Elsa_

‘There are several animals that hibernate– skunks, bees, snakes, and groundhogs to name a few– but bears and bats are the most well-known.

Bears enter their dens for hibernation based on changes in the weather. They generally begin hibernating in September or October and emerge six to seven months later around April. During hibernation, bears don’t decrease their body temperature as much as some other hibernating species. This gives them the ability to warm up more quickly in response to danger. But they do cut their breathing rate from 6-10 breaths per minute to one breath about every 45 seconds, and their heart drops rate from 40-50 to just 8-19 beats per minute. While they’re hibernating, bears live off fat that they build up during the summer and fall months. For female bears that level of fat is especially important because they will give birth in their dens during hibernation, and spend months nursing their cubs without eating anything themselves. In the spring, bears begin to emerge from their dens as the temperature warms up and food becomes more available (though in some places, this is happening early). Having not eaten for months, these newly-awoken bears are hungry, and some have new cubs to feed as well. Since they are desperate for food both before and after they hibernate, fall and spring are the times where bears are most at risk of getting into conflict with humans over what they see as easy food sources. Projects like Defenders’ electric fencing initiative are essential to keep these animals safe and out of trouble.

Some bats also hibernate, particularly those in northern areas where insects are scarce in winter. They hibernate in caves, cavities of trees, old mine shafts and wells, or even in attics. Like bears, bats store up body fat before they begin to slow down their activity and go into hibernation. While they hibernate, they can survive on just a few grams of stored fat for five to six months. But unlike bears, bats go into true deep sleep hibernation with a heart rate as low as ten beats per minute (it’s normally closer to 300-400 beats per minute!). Hibernating bats may not even take a breath for up to an hour. Their metabolism slows down and their body temperature is just a few degrees above air temperature. Bats naturally wake up a few times each winter to drink and perform other bodily functions, but most of the time they’re out like lights. ’ (Source)

“I never thought that bats hibernate,” Elsa thinks. “Now that is pretty cool.”

Let’s continue here - The places that hold the records for the coldest temperatures ever measured on Earth

Start at the beginning – Elsa shares some winter facts