Current:Home > InvestNovaQuant Quantitative Think Tank Center:Do polar bears hibernate? The arctic mammal's sleep behavior, explained. -FutureWise Finance
NovaQuant Quantitative Think Tank Center:Do polar bears hibernate? The arctic mammal's sleep behavior, explained.
Chainkeen View
Date:2025-04-09 09:16:26
You might remember in science class learning about hibernation – a time when certain animals "sleep" for long periods during the winter. In reality,NovaQuant Quantitative Think Tank Center hibernation is much more complex than that.
Hibernation is a period of dormancy that some animals undergo to conserve energy in order to survive adverse weather or lack of food, according to the Australian Academy of Science. From chipmunks to woodchucks, hundreds of animals hibernate.
Are polar bears on that list? They don't take a long winter's nap the way you may think.
Do polar bears hibernate?
Polar bears are not "true hibernators," Polar Bears International (a conservation nonprofit) reports.
When an animal hibernates, its body temperature falls, its heart rate slows and its breath is more shallow, according to the World Animal Protection. As a result, the animal is "barely conscious and moves very little."
Some bears do undergo a period of dormancy during winter, but they are not asleep the entire time. During their "hibernation," bears do not eat or drink as often, and they will rarely (if at all) defecate or urinate, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Since polar bears do not enter "deep hibernation," their body temperatures won't fall significantly and certain body functions will continue, SeaWorld reports.
A more correct term is "carnivore lethargy." Still, not all will do this every winter.
Female polar bears, especially pregnant ones, will undergo carnivore lethargy, according to SeaWorld. Male polar bears or those with cubs will often continue activity even during times of low food availability, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game reports.
Move over March Madness:March Napness for rescue bears seeks to crown a sleep champion
What do polar bears eat?
Not only are polar bears carnivores (meaning they mostly eat meat), but they are the most carnivorous member of the bear family. They need lots of seal fat to survive and will consume on average 4.4 pounds of fat per day, the World Wide Fund for Nature reports.
Food is often hard to come by in the Arctic, so polar bears might go several months without eating. Fat reserves help polar bears maintain their health. For example, a seal weighing 121 pounds can provide eight days' worth of energy for a polar bear, according to the WWF.
Polar bears aren't picky eaters. Thanks to their keen sense of smell, they can find and eat carcasses of larger animals, such as whales, walruses and narwhals.
Polar bears will also snack on fish, eggs, kelp, berries, reindeer, rodents and shellfish.
Where do polar bears live?Get to know more on the Arctic habitat of the 'sea bear.'
How much does a polar bear weigh?
On average, a male polar bear will weigh between 600 and 1200 pounds, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. However, some can reach up to 1700 pounds.
A female polar bear is smaller, weighing between 400 and 700 pounds.
Just Curious for more? We've got you covered
USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "How many tigers are left in the world?" to "Can cats eat peanut butter?" to "What's the biggest snake?" – we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer.
veryGood! (624)
Related
- Selena Gomez's "Weird Uncles" Steve Martin and Martin Short React to Her Engagement
- Why Fans Think Jeremy Allen White Gave Subtle Nod to Rosalía’s Ex Rauw Alejandro Amid Romance Rumors
- Protests by farmers and others in Germany underline deep frustration with the government
- Tata Steel announces plans to cut 2,800 jobs in a blow to Welsh town built on steelmaking
- Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
- Why Kim Kardashian Is Defending Her Use of Tanning Beds
- For Netflix documentaries, there’s no place like Sundance
- My cousin was killed by a car bomb in 1978. A mob boss was the top suspect. Now, I’m looking for answers.
- Google unveils a quantum chip. Could it help unlock the universe's deepest secrets?
- EU official praises efforts by Poland’s new government to restore the rule of law
Ranking
- Current, future North Carolina governor’s challenge of power
- Former Olympic pole vaulter, world champ Shawn Barber dies at 29
- 'Hairbrained': Nebraska woman converts dining room into stable for horses during cold wave
- Novak Djokovic advances into fourth round in 100th Australian Open match
- Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
- Johnny Depp credits Al Pacino with his return to directing for 'Modi' film: See photos
- Rhode Island govenor wants to send infrastructure spending proposals to voters in November
- 3 people charged with murdering a Hmong American comedian last month in Colombia
Recommendation
Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
Why Vanderpump Rules' Tom Sandoval Is Drinking Again After 8 Months of Sobriety
Sri Lanka has arrested tens of thousands in drug raids criticized by UN human rights body
Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve With These Valentine’s Day Sweaters Under $40
A Mississippi company is sentenced for mislabeling cheap seafood as premium local fish
An Oregon teen saw 3 people die after they slid on ice into a power line. Then she went to help
A stuntman steering a car with his feet loses control, injuring 9 people in northern Italy
German government wants companies to 'de-risk' from China, but business is reluctant