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How Do Animals Hibernate?

Some animals migrate south for the winter while others stay put and hibernate. The American black bear is one of nine bear species that really knows how to hunker down for a long winter's nap.

It can hibernate for as many as 100 days beginning in the late fall until spring.

During hibernation, its body makes extreme adjustments. For example, its heart rate lowers from an average 40 beats a minute to a mere eight beats a minute. Its body fat breaks down to supply it water and calories – about 4,000 of them a day.

Its muscle and organ tissues break down to supply it protein. Unlike humans, a bear's body can restore its own muscle and organ tissue by using built up nitrogen that occurs in its system during this time.

To prepare for hibernation, it gorges on berries, nuts and other vegetation hoping to gain 30 pounds a week. By the time the bear enters its den - inside of hollowed-out trees or caves - it's ready to sleep.

So, the next time your kids try waking you up early on a Saturday morning, tell them your pretending to hibernate like the American black bear inside your "bed cave."

Content provided by Oakland University

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