Spring Has Sprung

Hibernation is a survival mechanism used by some animals to conserve energy during times of scarcity. During the winter months, when food is scarce, bears will enter a state of hibernation. They will lower their heart rate, body temperature, and metabolism in order to conserve energy. While in hibernation, bears do not eat or drink and rely on their stored fat reserves for energy. Female bears will also give birth during hibernation, and their cubs will remain with them until they emerge from the den in the spring. Despite popular belief, hibernation is not a continuous sleep, but rather a state of torpor where the animal can be easily awakened.