Hibernation is a magical physiological phenomenon, and many animals choose to lower their metabolism during this season in order to adapt to the harsh environment of winter, entering a state similar to sleep to save energy and protect themselves. What are the hibernating animals? How do they hibernate? Let's explore it together.
Probably the most familiar hibernation animal we know is the bear, which finds a safe burrow or tree hollow in the winter, curls up in it, and sleeps until spring. However, bears do not hibernate as deeply as other animals, their body temperature drops only a few degrees, and they sometimes wake up to move. This semi-hibernation helps them conserve energy during the season when food is scarce, and it also allows them to react quickly when they encounter danger. Bears eat large amounts before hibernation to store enough fat, which is especially important for female bears as they give birth and nurse their young during hibernation.
In addition to bears, there are some small mammals that also hibernate, such as squirrels, hedgehogs, bats, dormice, etc. When these animals hibernate, they lower their body temperature and heart rate, slow down breathing and blood circulation, and enter a deep dormant state. They dig holes in the ground or store food in tree hollows for hibernation. Some animals will wake up once in the middle of hibernation, eat a little food, and continue sleeping, while others will sleep until spring. When these animals hibernate, they use the fat stored in their bodies to sustain their lives without the need for food and water from the outside world.
In addition to mammals, there are also reptiles and amphibians that hibernate, such as snakes, frogs, turtles, lizards, crocodiles, etc. These animals are ectotherms, that is, their body temperature changes with the change in the temperature of their environment. In winter, when the temperature drops to a certain level, their body temperature also decreases, entering a state of stiffness, which is called stiffness. Stiffness and hibernation are somewhat different, stiff animals do not lower their metabolism, but are in an extremely energy-saving mode, their vital activities almost cease, but if the temperature rises, they resume their activities. When these animals hibernate or are cold, they will look for a suitable hiding place, such as rock cracks, under tree bark, in the mud, under water, etc., to avoid eating or frostbite.
In addition to the above-mentioned animals, there are also some insects that hibernate, such as bees, wasps, butterflies, silkworms, ants, etc. When these insects hibernate, they lower their body temperature and metabolic rate, entering a dormant state called hibernation. Hibernation insects will seek out a warm, moist, shady place like a tree hollow, soil, under tree bark, in the crevices of buildings, etc., to protect themselves from cold and dryness. Some insects store some food before hibernation, while others use sugar in their bodies to stay alive. Some insects hibernate in the form of adults, while others hibernate in the form of larvae or pupae and wait until spring to become adults.
Hibernation is a fantastic survival strategy that allows animals to keep alive in the cold winter months and wait for spring to arrive. Hibernating animals have their own characteristics and habits, and they demonstrate the diversity and adaptability of life. We should respect and protect these animals so that they can spend their hibernation in peace and welcome the new year.