Question: What temperature do black bears hibernate?

As the bear enters hibernation, its metabolic processes such as body temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate are reduced. But bears do not lower the body temperature as much as once thought. Their hibernation temperature is around 88 degrees and waking temperature is 100 degrees F.

Do black bears hibernate in warm climates?

Black Bear Dens and Hibernation

Do black bears hibernate? The short answer is yes. … In warmer climates a bear might spend just a few weeks denning, or sometimes not den at all. In Washington and Idaho, black bears den for an average of around 5 months each winter.

Where do black bears go during the day?


Do bears give birth while hibernating?

Cubs are usually born within the first two months of hibernation. Cubs and their mothers stay in their dens for the rest of the winter while the mother bear rests and the cubs nurse and grow. Females and their cubs usually emerge from their winter dens in late March or early April.

THIS IS IMPORTANT:  What does an arctic fox smell like?

What triggers hibernation in bears?

Bears enter a lighter state of sleep called torpor. Hibernation is a voluntary state an animal enters to conserve energy, when food is scarce, and minimize exposure to the winter elements. … Hibernation is triggered by decreasing day length and hormonal changes in an animal that dictate the need to conserve energy.

Do bears die during hibernation?

To survive long winters without eating, drinking, exercising, or passing wastes, hibernating bears cut their metabolic rates in half. … Bears do not usually die of starvation in dens, most deaths from starvation are before or after hibernation and involve primarily cubs and yearlings. Disease is uncommon.

What if a bear doesn’t hibernate?

If food is present a bear does not have to hibernate, unless it is pregnant or winter conditions are severe enough (such as found in Alaska). Cubs are born about two months into hibernation but aren’t able to walk or feed on their own until they are about six months old.

Where do black bears sleep at night?


Hunt invitation