Hibernation is a fascinating adaptation strategy that many animals have developed to survive the cold months. The reasons for hibernation include, for example, saving energy, a shortage of food or poor living conditions. During hibernation, some animal species go through various physiological changes. They lower their body temperature to reduce energy consumption, reduce their breathing and heart rate and enter a deep sleep state from which they only wake up again in spring.
But which animals hibernate?
The hedgehog is probably the master of hibernation. In winter, it hides and looks for sheltered places to protect itself from the cold and predators. But the marmot and the dormouse also prepare everything over the summer so that they can spend the winter months in a deep sleep.
Dormancy
Many animals hibernate during the winter months as an adaptation strategy. In contrast to hibernation, where the animals fall into a deeper state of sleep, hibernation is less intense. During hibernation, animals can wake up more easily and also eat from time to time. Animals such as squirrels and badgers, for example, spend their hibernation in frost-protected burrows.
Winter may be a time of coziness for many of us, but in the animal kingdom it is a time of adaptation and full of survival strategies. While some animals sink deep into hibernation, others choose the gentler hibernation. These survival mechanisms are fascinating examples of nature's diversity and adaptability, for which we are incredibly grateful. The natural times and strategies of animals are important and must be well protected. Good and, above all, mindful interaction between humans and animals is therefore of great importance.
How we keep an eye on the nature and ressources.
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