Animal migration
Some animals hibernate through winter to survive the harsh conditions. What does this mean?
In this article you can learn:
- What hibernation is
- When animals hibernate
- Examples of animals that hibernate in the UK
This resource is suitable for weather and animal topics for primary school learners.
What is hibernation?
The cold, dark winter months can make it difficult for animals to find food and water. Hibernation helps some animals survive this time. These animals become inactive to save energy.
Is hibernation the same as sleeping?
Hibernating is not the same as sleeping.
Some people might say that these animals are sleeping through winter but it's not the same as sleeping.
During hibernation, an animal's heart rate and breathing slows down. Their body temperature also decreases. These changes help hibernating animals survive using less energy.
An animal in hibernation can go weeks without eating or drinking. However, they're not asleep for the whole of winter. They still need to get up occasionally to look for food, have a drink of water or go to the toilet.
Learn more about how cold weather affects people, plants and animals: How does cold weather affect daily life?
When do animals hibernate?
Animals usually hibernate during winter when the temperature drops. In winter, it can be difficult to find food and water because of ice and frost. This makes it difficult for some animals to survive.
To prepare for hibernation, many animals will start preparing in autumn. They will eat as much as they can and find a quiet, safe spot for them to rest in.
What animals hibernate?
Not all animals hibernate.
- Some animals are able to survive the cold winters. For example, they might have thick fur coats, feathers or a layer of blubber to keep them warm.
- Some animals will Many animals, like birds or fish, move from one place to another at certain times of the year. Some animals migrate because the weather is too hot, too cold, too wet, or too dry during certain times of the year. to a warmer place to avoid harsh conditions.
Slideshow - Animal hibernation in the UK
Here are some examples of animal that hibernate in winter in the UK.
Image caption, Hedgehogs
Many hedgehogs build their own shelter to hibernate in with dead leaves, twigs and feathers. Some hedgehogs will even hibernate in compost bins and under garden sheds. (Pixel Youth movement / Alamy Stock Photo)
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