5 Undercover Hibernators

Bears aren't the only ones who pack on the pounds for a long winter's sleep. See what other animals also are all about the hibernation life.

By: Jamee Lind

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Brown Bat

Not all bats hibernate but some species, like the Brown Bat, hibernate during the winter months with only a few grams of stored fat. They will stay in their hibernacula, or hibernation home, until the spring returns and the weather becomes warm enough for delicious insects to return.

Bees

Wondering what all of the bumblebees are up to during winter? They're having a hibernation party! Bumblebees typically hibernate in compost bins, loose soil in flower pots and banks of earth, like an abandoned rodent hole.

Hedgehog

Like bears, when hedgehogs hibernate they are not really asleep. A hibernating hedgehog will drop its body temperature to match its surroundings and enter a state of torpor.

Snails

Have you ever seen a sealed snail shell? Some snails hibernate during the winter by sealing their shell openings with a dry layer of mucus called an epiphragm.

Common Box Turtle

While most mammals are busy fattening up for hibernation, the box turtle must stop eating and prepare to hibernate on an empty stomach. Turtles can’t regulate their own body temperatures, so the box turtle will remain asleep until spring.