Hibernation

From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Hibernation is a state of inactivity. Some animals hibernate, usually during the winter, when food is short. They fall into a sleep-like state. They can regulate their metabolism to consume less energy. They lower their body temperature, slow their breathing, and slow other vital functions. During hibernation, the body consumes fat which the animal has typically gathered in summer and autumn.

Typical animals that hibernate are bats, ground squirrels (like marmots), hedgehogs, and marsupials.