Hibernation?  Winterization?

Both are behaviours adopted by certain mammals to survive the rigors of winter.

A hibernating animal is plunged into a deep state of lethargy. Its body temperature can drop as low as 0°C. Heart rate and blood flow slow considerably. Reptiles, chipmunks and marmots belong to this group.

As for the overwintering animal, it slumbers. Their breathing and heart rate slow down. Their temperature drops slightly, allowing them to save a great deal of energy. Their brains remain very active throughout the cold season. And contrary to popular belief, bears are overwinterers, not hibernators, meaning that they may well wake up during the winter. Raccoons and skunks are species that have adopted this survival model.

But what about other animals that accompany us through the winter?

Find out more in a future capsule.