Bears usually start hibernating in late fall. Hibernation is not always a deep sleep. Some bears do wake up to feed sporadically. Hibernating bears conserve energy during the long winter months by falling into a deep sleeping pattern. During hibernation bears survive due to stored fat and a reduced metabolism. Their heart rate, oxygen intake, and temperature decrease.

Bear hibernation can be considered a series of long naps. Some bears can go up to 100 days without waking up. Gestation lasts between 6 ½ months to 8 months. The female bear gives birth during the winter and nurses her cubs in the den with no food.

Bears come out of hibernation in the Spring. When bears wake up they are attracted to abundant foods high in protein and energy. They look for food they can get with little energy. This can lead them into close contact with humans.

Endangered Bears Giant Panda Sun Bear Asiatic Black Bear Sloth Bear Andean Bear Polar Bear Brown Bear American Black Bear

Sources Hibernation. 30 Jan Wikipedia.. Junglewalk. Junglewalk. 3 Feb Bearaware. British Columbia Conservation Foundation. 3 Feb Endangered Bears. National Geographic. 3 Feb Secrets of Hibernation. Nova Online. 3 Feb Bearden. American Zoo and Aquarium Association. 3 Feb