Hibernation is how some animals survive the winter. It’s not the same as sleeping. During hibernation, an animal’s heart rate and breathing slow down and body temperature drops. For example, dwarf lemurs can go a long time without eating for months or even breathing up to 10 minutes! Animals hibernate to stay safe from predators, save energy when food is hard to find, or avoid extreme weather. Hibernation can happen in cold winters or even hot, dry seasons.
Hibernation is how some animals survive the winter. It’s not the same as sleeping. During hibernation, an animal’s heart rate and breathing slow down and body temperature drops. For example, dwarf lemurs can go a long time without eating for months or even breathing up to 10 minutes! Animals hibernate to stay safe from predators, save energy when food is hard to find, or avoid extreme weather. Hibernation can happen in cold winters or even hot, dry seasons.