Wolf Ridge Whats Happening: Hibernation

In late fall, some of our furry friends in the northern climates begin to get a little sleepy. They have spent the late summer and early fall months eating up lots of food to store up fat for their long winter sleep.
From U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service	What is hibernation? HIBERNATION is when animals enter a deep “sleep” for the winter. During hibernation an animal’s heart rate, breathing and metabolism slow down so much that they can survive the winter with very little food. Even the animal’s brain stops its normal activity. Hibernation is an ADAPTATION that allows some animals who live in cold environments conserve energy and survive through times when food is harder to find.
What makes animals hibernate? There are still a lot of things that scientists do not know about hibernation and what exactly causes hibernation is one of these things. However, some research shows that there are a couple of different triggers for hibernation. For some species a reduction of the food supply and a change in the temperature and amount of light will make the animals long for their dens and a good winter’s sleep. Other animals seem to have an internal clock that tells the animal it is time to go to sleep. Scientists have found that animals that hibernate have a unique compound in their blood which is called HIT – hibernation inducement trigger.		Joe MacDonald
	What happens when an animal hibernates? Once an animal decides that it is ready to hibernate they make sure that their homes are comfy for the winter. They stock up on extra bedding and cache some food if they need. Once an animal enters hibernation, the hypothalamus, part of the brain, takes over. The body temperature lowers from its normal warm-blooded temperature to just a few degrees above the outside temperature. The heart rate also drastically slows down so that the heart is pumping just enough to keep the animal alive. The fat that the animal stored up to survive the winter plays two roles. It insulates the animal help keeping it warm and it provides energy for the animal because it isn’t eating.
Hibernation vs. Torpor Many people use hibernation as a very general term to describe animals that "sleep" through the winter. However, scientists have made a distinction between different types of sleep. Hibernators sleep for long periods and rouse very slowly from their sleep. Animals that sleep for shorter periods of time and wake more easily are said to go into TORPOR. Animals that go into torpor still exhibit the same internal signs as hibernators. Examples of animals that go into torpor are badgers, raccoons, skunks, bears, chipmunks, and ground squirrels.		David Wesley
Oscar Gutierrez		Which animals hibernate? Common true hibernators: Bats, dormouse, hedgehogs, prairie dogs, groundhogs, woodchucks
How can learning about hibernation help humans? Scientists have been studying hibernation with special interest lately because hibernation may have some keys to helping humans. If scientists can figure out exactly how hibernation works they may be able to preserve organs for organ transplants longer. They may be able to help figure how to prevent extensive muscle loss in patients in long-term care. It may also help stroke victims and people with Parkinson's disease by preventing cells from dying.
Resources Pennsylvania State University ThinkQuest.org This takes you to the main page the acticle on hibernation is called "Deep Sleep" and can be accessed through the library link. Alien Earth Whyfiles.org		Vicki Lockard

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Hibernation

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