Hibernation is one of my new books out in 2016
It’s winter, and I would dearly love to curl up with a blanket and hibernate. But…in true hibernation, an animal is close to death. Its heart and breathing almost stop. Here are five fast facts about hibernation that you may not know:
- Some types of frogs freeze solid during hibernation. A cryoprotectant acts like antifreeze, protecting the frog’s tissues from damage.
- Chipmunks hibernate, but cannot store enough energy in their bodies for the whole winter. They wake up every few weeks to snack.
- Some animals escape the heat in the same way others escape the cold. The Australian desert spadefoot toad estivates in deep sand and comes out when it rains.
- Scientists are studying ways astronauts could use hibernation during long space flights. Sleeping through the trip would cut down on the food and energy required.
- Hibernation is dangerous for the animal. A long winter or waking up too often may cause the animal to starve before spring.
Hibernation sounds like a great way to avoid winter, except for the whole not breathing part. I like breathing. Perhaps I should migrate instead.
