Hibernation is a form of overwintering.Ī hedgehog who would typically not survive the hibernation period can be helped through the winter by external forces. Overwintering is the process by which an organism survives the winter period when resources are scarce, and the climate is cold and dry. See Also: 35 Fascinating & Fun Hedgehog Facts You Never Knew.A hedgehog who weighs too much less than this will die of starvation before they wake up. Hedgehogs need to weigh around 1.3 lbs for their bodies to survive the hibernation period physically. Heating the body in direct conflict with the air around them requires a great deal of energy, so by entering this state of hibernation, a hedgehog can survive on their stored fat until they wake up. This drop in body temperature allows the hedgehog’s body to conserve energy while they’re asleep. A hedgehog’s body temperature will drop from its usual 85-95 degrees Fahrenheit to under 40 degrees Fahrenheit during hibernation. When it gets cold enough, the hedgehog’s body hibernates to preserve its energy until the spring. Hedgehog hibernation is triggered by the temperature of the air around them. Image Credit: Alexas_Fotos, Pixabay Hibernation Each hedgehog is different and will have a slightly different hibernation cycle, but most wild hedgehogs will hibernate. The hedgehog hibernation cycle starts in late November or early December and can last until the end of March. Their food sources are scarce during the winter, and the hedgehogs hibernate until spring when their food sources are more abundant. Hedgehogs are omnivorous and feed on insects and plants. This is because these animals are known to hibernate during the winter months. Those who live in temperate climates may find that the hedgehogs that live in their backyards disappear for several months during the winter. While some hedgehogs have adapted to a diurnal schedule, most have maintained a nocturnal sleeping pattern. During the day, hedgehogs can be found sleeping under bushes and in their nests.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |