Animals that hibernate in winter

They enter a state called torpor, lowering their body temperature and metabolism, though they wake more easily than true hibernators.

Bears

Hibernate in caves or other secluded areas, dropping their body temperature to match the surroundings to conserve energy.

Bats

These small mammals hibernate in burrows or under leaf piles, slowing their heart rate significantly.

Hedgehogs

Hibernate underground, reducing their metabolic rate and even halting blood flow to conserve energy.

Ground Squirrels

Some snake species hibernate in groups, using burrows to avoid the winter chill and waiting for warmer weather.

Snakes

Freeze partially, with their body producing glucose as antifreeze to survive sub-zero temperatures.

Wood Frogs

Hibernate in burrows, their body temperature dropping close to freezing to conserve energy.

Groundhogs

Go into a mild state of torpor, often huddling together for warmth in dens during extreme cold.

Skunks

Queen bumblebees hibernate in underground burrows, emerging in spring to start new colonies.

Bumblebees