What Animals Hibernate In Winter
Read on to learn more about the North American animals that hibernate and how they do so.
What animals hibernate in winter. However did you know that bears are not the only animals capable of hibernation. Both warm and cold-blooded animals hibernate during winter. Its a natural state that helps them survive through harsh conditions by keeping a low metabolic rate.
They all are mammals or lets say they all are warm blooded. In the fall these animals get ready for winter by eating extra food and storing it as body fat. Animals like Bats Squirrels Rodents and Polar Bears which live in severe cold regions hibernate during winter.
These small animals grow around 23 to 35 inches in body length and have the same length for their tail. Hibernation allows many animals to survive dark and cold winters without the need to migrate elsewhere or seek food under threat of predation injury or death. Certain species of fish amphibians and insects also survive the cold months of winter through the process of hibernation.
Other Ways to Survive the Winter. Like many other reptiles and amphibians lizards hibernate during the winter because they are cold-blooded animals. Winter climates in North America range from cold and humid to snowy and windy.
The most famous hibernating animal may be the bear. This is a special very deep sleep. The animals body temperature drops and its heartbeat and breathing slow down.
The most popular depictions of hibernating animals are bears gophers and chipmunks. Some animals hibernate for part or all of the winter. You will also need a copy of Animals in Winter printable scavenger hunt.