Not only reptiles, but also some animals use hibernation as their perfect way to survive winter.
Bears, huge and fierce animals, also do this - they prepare for winter and spend a few cold months sleeping.
Here's how it works.
Preparing for Hibernation
Before hibernation, bears eat a lot of food to build up fat reserves. This extra fat helps them survive without eating during their long sleep.
Finding a Den
Bears find a safe and cozy den to hibernate in. Dens can be caves, hollow trees, or even just a sheltered spot on the ground.
Slowing Down
Once inside the den, bears slow down their body functions. Their heart rate drops, and they breathe less often. This helps them conserve energy.
Temperature Drops
During hibernation, a bear's body temperature drops slightly. It becomes closer to the temperature outside, which helps them save even more energy.
No Eating or Drinking
While hibernating, bears don't eat or drink anything. They rely on the fat stored in their bodies to provide energy throughout the winter.
Waste Removal
Bears don't go to the bathroom while hibernating. Their bodies break down waste products, so they don't need to eliminate them.
Waking Up
In the spring, when the weather gets warmer and food becomes more available, bears start to wake up from hibernation.
They slowly come out of their dens and begin searching for food.
