overwintering

Overwintering is a biological strategy where organisms enter a state of reduced metabolic activity to survive unfavorable environmental conditions, most commonly winter. This dormancy conserves energy and lessens demands on the environment.1

Many animals, including insects, reptiles, fish, amphibians, and mammals, exhibit forms of dormancy. Insects may enter diapause, a state that can occur at any life cycle stage and is often triggered by environmental cues. Reptiles, being cold-blooded, seek underground refuges to avoid freezing temperatures, a state known as brumation. Fish generally remain active but may reduce activity in cold periods, while lungfish can burrow and form cocoons during drought. Mammals often hibernate, a deep sleep characterized by significantly lowered body temperature, heart rate, and respiration. Some animals, like bears, enter a less extreme state of winter lethargy rather than true hibernation. Plants can also enter dormancy to survive cold periods.234567