Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: Karen W. on 12/02/2008 23:16:58

Title: Do Polar Bears Hibernate in the same manner as other bears given their climate?
Post by: Karen W. on 12/02/2008 23:16:58

Well, I was thinking most Bears hibernate during the extreme colds of winter, and given the fact that Polar Bears live where it is freezing all the time, how does hibernation effect them? Are they more Year round creatures because of the need to always forage... fish etc? How does that work?

I really never thought about it until the other night! Do we have any Polar Bear Experts or Neily.. who likes Polar Bears???

Does anyone know?

Title: Do Polar Bears Hibernate in the same manner as other bears given their climate?
Post by: JimBob on 13/02/2008 18:02:07

Polar bear females definitely do hibernate to give birth. I am uncertain about male bears.

Title: Do Polar Bears Hibernate in the same manner as other bears given their climate?
Post by: Karen W. on 13/02/2008 18:20:22

Thanks Jim Bob.. I did not know that.. I wonder about the males too and how long they hibernate etc.

Title: Do Polar Bears Hibernate in the same manner as other bears given their climate?
Post by: Vcoolspice on 13/02/2008 18:57:42

   Polar bears don't enter deep hibernation. Deep hibernation applies to an animal whose body temperature drops to 5C (41F) for a period of days or weeks. Deep hibernators also show a marked drop in heart rate, and are slow to wake up when disturbed. Polar bears aren't deep hibernators, but enter a state of carnivore lethargy. Though hibernating females sleep soundly, they're easily and quickly aroused.

Only pregnant female polar bears hibernate.
   The female polar bear's heart rate slows to about 27 beats per minute from a normal resting heart rate of about 46 beats per minute (Stirling, 1988).
   When hibernating, a female's body temperature may drop slightly, perhaps to 35C (95F), or it may remain normal at 37C (98.6F). Unlike most other hibernators, female polar bears give birth while hibernating. High body temperature is needed to meet the demands of pregnancy, birth, and nursing.

Researchers have found that nonhibernating polar bears, during times of food scarcity, can efficiently utilize their energy reserves much like hibernating bears

Title: Do Polar Bears Hibernate in the same manner as other bears given their climate?
Post by: Karen W. on 13/02/2008 19:23:50

Thank you so much... for answering... I guess I don't want t wake  a hibbernating female polar bear!! Lol or any bear for that matter! Wonderful information thanks!

Title: Re: Do Polar Bears Hibernate in the same manner as other bears given their climate?
Post by: Monox D. I-Fly on 12/01/2019 03:36:01

Quote from: Karen W. on 13/02/2008 19:23:50

Thank you so much... for answering... I guess I don't want t wake  a hibbernating female polar bear!! Lol or any bear for that matter! Wonderful information thanks!

B... but... he said that deep hibernators are slow to wake up when disturbed... Are non-polar bears deep hibernators? If so, would it be safe to poke them while they hibernate?

Title: Re: Do Polar Bears Hibernate in the same manner as other bears given their climate?
Post by: Karen W. on 12/01/2019 04:42:19

I believe most bears do hibernate in more of a deep hibernation, but I doubt that poking them with a stick would be a wise idea, just the same. LOL It would be nice to know about the Grizzlies and Black bears we get here in the states. I have black bear visits regularly in spring and summer especially a lot this last summer with all the forests here being on fire.. all the animals were fleeing the fire looking for food and water and safer places.