Groundhogs predict spring with the same accuracy as flipping a coin. But they’re vital to their ecosystems, feasting through summer to store enough fat to last through their winter hibernation.
Articles on Hibernate
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Animals that hibernate live longer, so could hold clues on how to slow down ageing.
Some of winter’s effects have been tied to cultural norms and practices, while others likely reflect our bodies’ innate biological responses to shorter days and colder weather.
Months not eating or moving don’t result in muscle wasting and loss of function for animals that hibernate. New research found gut microbes help their hosts hold onto and use nitrogen to build proteins.
Researchers are puzzled by a fungus that is killing millions of bats.
When you’re warm and cozy inside, it can be natural to wonder if the animals you see outside your window this winter are doing OK. Don’t worry – they’re doing better out there than you would.
Top contributors
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Professor of Nephrology, Karolinska Institutet
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Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, Université de Montréal
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Research Assistant Professor in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida
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Associate Professor of Psychology, Arizona State University
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Director of the Hefner Museum of Natural History, Miami University
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PhD student, Psychology, University of British Columbia
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Professor Emeritus of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison
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Associate Research Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz