Why do bears hibernate?

Introduction

     WOULD YOU EAT 40,000 MOTHS A DAY! 

     If you were a grizzly bear, you would! Why, you ask? 

Preparing for Hibernation

     Eating moths help bears prepare for hibernation or a deep sleep called torpor. This occurs in September or October. Hibernation is deep sleep and torpor is the same thing. 

Hibernation

     Why do would a bear want to hibernate anyway? First, bears hibernate because there is a lack of food in the winter. For example, there are no berries to eat and no fish to catch. Also you can't find moths during winter!

     So as a bear they make the best of winter by eating a lot during summer months.

What Bears Need for Hibernation

     Since bears eat so much during summer, bears have an extra layer of fat.  This helps to keep them warm and give them energy. 

     Bears need oxygen so they can breathe, but their breathing slows down during hibernation.

Dens for Protection

     Bears make a den to sleep in for protection. They curl up and take a long winter's nap. Bears can remain in their dens for six or seven months.

     In conclusion, bears need to eat a lot and get prepared during the summer so they can hibernate in the winter.