Why do bears hibernate?

Fish are easier to find in summer. Bears need to eat a lot during the summer to store fat before they hibernate.

A cave makes a good den for a bear to sleep in during hibernation.

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 any way? First, bears hibernate because there is a lack of food in the winter. or 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 only 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.

Bears use a lot of energy playing

Bears still need to sleep even when they are not hibernating.

Bears sitting on the beach

A bear walking

VISIT THESE SOURCES TO FIND MORE INFORMATION:

Books about Hibernation:

  • Animal Hibernation by Jeanie Mebane
  • Zoobook Bears by John Bonntt Wexo

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