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hibernation
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'Hibernation' is one of the ways in which animals adapt and survive the cold winter months. In many ways, it is like a very long, deep sleep. When learning about hibernation, it is easy to get confused. Scientists and biologists disagree on what the word hibernation really means. For example, some say the black bear hibernates and other say it does not. There are different degrees or levels of hibernation. Mammals that can let their body temperatures drop to just above freezing and can also make their hearts beat very slowly are called true hibernators. A woodchuck can allow its body temperature to drop more than 30 degrees Celsius. The jumping mouse's heart rate is about 500 to 600 beats a minute. When hibernating it can slow to about 30 beats a minute. These animals are known as true hibernators because their normal body functions change dramatically. Some animals, such as the raccoon and skunk, conserve energy by 'denning up' or sleeping for long periods of time in the winter. Raccoons often sleep together in winter dens to keep warm. Raccoons and skunks are not considered true hibernators because they awaken during the winter to feed and have only slight changes in their body functions. Scientists use the term 'dormancy' to describe this kind of adaptation to winter.
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