hibernaculum
Quick Summary
A hibernaculum is a shelter that dormant animals use during the winter months. Animals hibernate to survive periods when food is scarce. During hibernation, an animal's body temperature drops significantly, and its heart rate and respiration slow dramatically, making it appear close to death.123
True hibernators include certain mammals like bats, hedgehogs, and rodents such as ground squirrels and marmots. These animals rely on stored body fat and sometimes stored food to survive. While bears enter a winter lethargy, they are not considered true hibernators because their body temperature does not drop as drastically, and they can be easily awakened.34
Hibernation is a complex physiological process that allows animals to conserve energy and survive harsh environmental conditions.5
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