By Josie January 11th, 2023
We all know the magic of a good nap.
Some animals even use sleep as a survival mechanism.
Let's learn a bit more about them!
(some might really surprise you!)
Obligate hibernator
Many people think chipmunks are squirrel babies, but they're a distinct species!
1. Chipmunks
During winters this animal goes into the hibernation process and only wakes up to consume already stored food.
They burrow a hole in the ground up to three feet deep and ensure that it is under cover to avoid any predator attacks.
Bears hibernate in a den which can be under a tree, in a cave, under leaves and bushes, or in crevices of rocks.
They eat double the amount of food during late summers and fall to fill up their stomachs to the fullest to survive winters.
Not all bats hibernate during the winters. Some migrate to warmer areas to survive.
The ones who are comfortable in an area decide to stay and hibernate during the winters.
They are usually found hibernating in hollow trees, barns, and buildings.
They usually go inside their shells to sleep since they feel most protected there.
Box turtles need their peaceful environment to hibernate during the winters but don’t travel far to hibernate.
They tend to stop eating for weeks before going into hibernation mode and hibernate with a clean gastronomical track.
All bees die during the winters. Only the queen is left to hibernate during the cold months.
5. Bumble Bees
Once the hibernating period is over she will create a new colony.
Beforehand she fills her system up with enough pollen to survive the hibernation period.
They like to hibernate in small areas which are dry and covered.
Their body temperature drops according to the environment and their heart slows down - they may even stop breathing for a while.
To survive hibernation they need to weigh at least six hundred grams.
They hide inside their shell and cover the opening with their slime to stay warm during the winters.
During hibernation they may join their snail friends to hibernate together.
Their hibernation period lasts from four to six months.
They are often found residing in porches of the houses.
During the winters they tend to stay near humans to have sufficient food and warmth.
8. Skunks
Skunks cuddle with one another to stay warm during hibernation.