 |
 |
Polar Bear Hybernation
Name: Cheryl L. D.
Status: educator
Age: 50s
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: 2002
Question:
Do polar bears hibernate during the winter months?
Replies:
Yes!
Peter Faletra Ph.D.
Assistant Director
Science Education
Office of Science
Department of Energy
There is a definition to understand concerning hybernation.
http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/zoo00/zoo00049.htm
May help.
Steve Sample
A google search turned this extensive site up first
http://www.polarbearsalive.org/facts4.htm
And this detailed information from
http://www.seaworld.org/infobooks/PolarBears/pbbehavior.html
"3. Only pregnant female polar bears hibernate.
a. Polar bears are not deep hibernators, but enter a state of carnivore
lethargy. Though hibernating females sleep soundly, they are easily and
quickly aroused.
b. The female polar bear's heart rate slows to about 27 beats per minute
from a normal resting heart rate of about 46 beats per minute (Stirling,
1988).
c. When hibernating, a female's body temperature may drop slightly, perhaps
to 35C (95F), or it may remain normal at 37C (98.6F). Unlike most other
hibernators, female polar bears give birth while hibernating. High body
temperature is needed to meet the demands of pregnancy, birth, and nursing
(Stirling, 1988)."
J. Elliott
Click here to return to the Zoology Archives
| |
Update: June 2012
|
|
