hibernation

Hibernation is a state of deep sleep that some animals enter during cold months or when food is scarce. In this inactive state, an animal's metabolic rate slows down significantly, which conserves energy and helps it survive without eating for long periods. Body temperature drops, heart rate decreases, and breathing slows. Common hibernators include bears, squirrels, and certain reptiles. This adaptation allows them to endure harsh environmental conditions until spring, when temperatures rise and food becomes more available. Hibernation is not just sleep; it's a critical survival strategy in nature.