Do black bears hibernate?

They redefined mammalian hibernation as a specialized, seasonal reduction in metabolism concurrent with scarce food and cold weather (Watts et al. 1981). Black bears are now considered highly efficient hibernators. Hibernators the size of chipmunks hibernate differently. read more

It is a common misconception that bears hibernate during the winter. While bears tend to slow down during the winter, they are not true hibernators. Black bears, Grizzly bears and Brown bears do go into a deep sleep during the winter months, known as torpor. read more

They redefined mammalian hibernation as a specialized, seasonal reduction in metabolism concurrent with scarce food and cold weather (Watts et al. 1981). Black bears are now considered highly efficient hibernators. read more

Not in the strict definition of hibernate. A hibernaculum is a place of winter refuge for hibernating wildlife. The word is from New Latin for “winter residence.” During the winter months, bears in Georgia usually will enter into dens and their bodies will enter into a state known as torpor. read more