![]() However, as we know, cold-blooded creatures operate a little differently from your average mammals, though. However, it’s usually called brumation when cold-blooded animals hibernate – so don’t get confused when you hear this new word! So, you may be wondering if cold-blooded animals are also animals that hibernate? Well, the answer to that question is – yes, cold-blooded animals do also hibernate! ![]() In fact, they may even venture out on milder days between periods of torpor. Light sleep hibernators will wake up a few times to snack on a stash of food or perform these functions, though. Hibernating animals don’t need to eat, move – or, in some cases, even go to the toilet, either! During this time, those few extra pounds gained during summer get used sparingly. So, hibernation is an excellent way for these animals to survive the harsh conditions they’ve adapted to survive in! When animals and humans sleep or hibernate, we use fewer calories. ![]() Hibernation usually lasts anywhere from a few days up to a few months! During this time, true hibernator animals’ heart rates, metabolism, and breathing rates drop drastically. As such, they use way less energy and usually don’t need to eat, drink, or move around! What happens to animals that hibernate? On the flip side, true hibernators are almost impossible to wake up during hibernation. During waking hours, they may eat or even venture outside for a short trip. Light sleep hibernators fall into torpor for more than a day, but they are easily woken or may wake frequently. Well, just like torpor, hibernators fall into two main categories, too! These are light sleep hibernators and true hibernators. Though quite a few animals hibernate, not all are classed as “true hibernators.” What is a “true hibernator,” you may ask? If an animal goes into torpor for less than 24 hrs a day, it’s classed as a daily torpor, not hibernation.īut, if an animal goes into torpor for longer than 24 hrs at a time, it’s classed as hibernation! Hibernators include any animals that hibernate for these long periods of time. However, there are two types of torpor – hibernation and daily torpor. When in torpor, animals use minimal metabolic functions, essentially “switching off.” Torpor is a survival mechanism that some animals can use to reduce their food and water intake. So, what is hibernation, then? Well, you may think of it as sleeping – however, it’s quite different! You see, it’s called torpor – which uses up even less energy. Then, they slip away to hibernate away the harshest months! Hibernation vs. Instead of toughing it out in horrible conditions, they pile on the pounds during the plentiful months. You see, animals don’t have fridges or deep-freezers to store away extra food for indefinite periods of time! So, they’ve adapted to their habitat in their unique way by hibernating! Or, they do this during harsh months where their critical food and water supply may be limited. The reason they do this is usually that the outside temperatures may be too cold to handle. These animals go and hibernate in their dens or a safe spot to conserve energy. Hibernation is a behavior that certain animals engage in to survive harsh conditions. Luckily, the natural world plays host to many wonders, not least animals that hibernate! These clever critters sure have adapted their own amazing way to survive harsh conditions!īut, who are these animals, and how do they do it? Here are all the facts you need to know about hibernation, plus all the coolest animals that do! What is Hibernation? Winter is a wondrous time, filled with winter pleasures! However, for our furry, feathered, scaly, or otherwise friends, it can be fatal!
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