In our houses, the temperature is mild and pleasant even in winter, but it is good to learn how to recognize a hibernating animal in order to be able to check his health. Aquatic turtles, for example, should be placed in bowls with a few centimeters of water to prevent dehydration and their health should be constantly monitored.Īs a general rule, pets do not hibernate unless they suffer the effects of a major temperature change. If, however, turtles live at home with us, it is necessary to prepare the right shelter for them. After a few days of drowsiness and lack of appetite, they find the right shelter to begin hibernation on their own. Both land and water turtles, which are used to living in gardens and ponds, hibernate. Nature Bear Essentials of Hibernation Certain mammals have what many people might consider the good fortune to be able to sleep through the winterto hibernate. The tortoise, on the other hand, belongs to the reptile category. Such a situation can occur if they escape from the cage or go outside on cold winter days. If, therefore, our furry friend has a lethargic response to a sudden change in temperature, it is advisable to wake him up gradually by cuddling him lovingly. It is therefore rare for this survival mechanism to be triggered in a pet hamster, but it is much more common for hamsters born and bred in the wild.ĭomestic hamsters are not prepared for the long winter sleep. These small rodents only hibernate when the temperature drops below 8☌. Unlike many critters, raccoons, skunks, and opossums do not hibernate in winter, often giving property owners a fright if they come across one midwinter. Hibernating petsīetween both mammals and reptiles there are pets that hibernate. Some reptile species, however, are also subject to this long pause, e.g. These animals include marmots, squirrels, dormice, hedgehogs, bats, raccoons and skunks. Most animals that hibernate are mammals, warm-blooded animals that need to adapt to the change in temperature. During this time, their metabolism slows way down, and their body temperatures drop. They may wake occasionally to seek out food, but they generally sleep for several days up to several months at a time. When winter arrives, hibernating animals take refuge in their burrows and stay there until spring and the mating season. Hibernating animals are dormant for long periods throughout the winter. During hibernation, metabolic activity is reduced, the temperature drops but remains stable and the water in the animals’ blood does not freeze. It consists of reducing the vital functions to a minimum in order to save energy. Hibernation is a physiological response to adapt to the harsh winter temperatures. Mammals mostly enjoy this long break, but also reptiles, despite the fact that they are cold-blooded animals. This includes some of the pets we live with.
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