Do florida black bears hibernate?

Black bears are not true hibernators. Instead, they experience what is often called denning, ursid hibernation or carnivore lethargy. This period of reduced activity occurs in all black bear populations. read more

Florida black bears do not hibernate, but rather go into a semi-hibernation state known as torpor. In Florida they may do so only during extremely severe winter weather. Torpor tends to be more common in females who den when they are producing cubs. The female may stay in her den for a few months. read more

Instead, they experience what is often called denning, ursid hibernation or carnivore lethargy. This period of reduced activity occurs in all black bear populations. Winter lethargy is brought on by many factors, including reproductive status, food availability, amount of daylight, and temperature change. 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. Hibernators the size of chipmunks hibernate differently. read more