What animals hibernate? Why? - ��˿�� Bitesize

Animal migration

Some animals hibernate through winter to survive the harsh conditions. What does this mean?

In this article you can learn:

What hibernation is
When animals hibernate
Examples of animals that hibernate in the UK

This resource is suitable for weather and animal topics for primary school learners.

What is hibernation?

The cold, dark winter months can make it difficult for animals to find food and water. Hibernation helps some animals survive this time. These animals become inactive to save energy.

Is hibernation the same as sleeping?

Hibernating is not the same as sleeping.

Some people might say that these animals are sleeping through winter but it's not the same as sleeping.

During hibernation, an animal's heart rate and breathing slows down. Their body temperature also decreases. These changes help hibernating animals survive using less energy.

An animal in hibernation can go weeks without eating or drinking. However, they're not asleep for the whole of winter. They still need to get up occasionally to look for food, have a drink of water or go to the toilet.

Learn more about how cold weather affects people, plants and animals: How does cold weather affect daily life?

Brown bear asleep in its den — Image caption,
Many bears hibernate through winter. Frozen water makes it difficult to find fish and many of the smaller animals they normally eat hibernate. (Juniors Bildarchiv GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo)

When do animals hibernate?

Frozen River Dee in winter — Image caption,
Animals hibernate through winter because it too cold for them to survive. Lochs and rivers can freeze over, like the River Dee above. This can stop many animal species from accessing food and water. (Simon Price / Alamy Stock Photo)

Animals usually hibernate during winter when the temperature drops. In winter, it can be difficult to find food and water because of ice and frost. This makes it difficult for some animals to survive.

To prepare for hibernation, many animals will start preparing in autumn. They will eat as much as they can and find a quiet, safe spot for them to rest in.

What animals hibernate?

Not all animals hibernate.

Some animals are able to survive the cold winters. For example, they might have thick fur coats, feathers or a layer of blubber to keep them warm.
Some animals will to a warmer place to avoid harsh conditions.

Slideshow - Animal hibernation in the UK

Here are some examples of animal that hibernate in winter in the UK.

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Image caption,
Hedgehogs
Many hedgehogs build their own shelter to hibernate in with dead leaves, twigs and feathers. Some hedgehogs will even hibernate in compost bins and under garden sheds. (Pixel Youth movement / Alamy Stock Photo)
Image caption,
Dormice
Dormice usually begin to hibernate around October to November and will stay in their nests until April or May when spring brings milder conditions. (Wild Dales Photography - Simon Phillpotts / Alamy Stock Photo)
Image caption,
Bats
Some species of bats spend winter hibernating in hollow trees, roofs, caves and bat boxes. During hibernation, they can slow their breathing to as few as five breaths per minute! (Nature Picture Library / Alamy Stock Photo)
Image caption,
Frogs
Frogs and other amphibians needs to hibernate to survive the cold temperatures in winter. They often leave the water and find an underground tunnel, piles of leaves or log pile to hibernate in. (Nik Goulthorp / Alamy Stock Photo)
Image caption,
Butterflies and moths
Many butterflies and moths, like the peacock butterfly (above), will hibernate through winter. They stay warm by finding a nice safe spot in places like a shed, garage or attic. (Arterra Picture Library / Alamy Stock Photo)