Expert: Walter Hintz - 6/11/2006

Question
I am interested in learning more about what wild animals, bears in particular, do with the wastes their bodies produce during hibernation. Why dont their muscles degrade? How can they go to the extent of giving birth if they havnt eaten in months? If you cant answer any of these questions (which would be quite understandable) is there any reliable, primary source resource that you can point me towards? Thank you very much!

Kami G

Answer
Hi kami:
 Actually beras do not enter into real hibernation but undergo what is known as "winter sleep" Their metabolic rate and temperature drops but if you poke one you can wake them up.  Sometimes they leave their cave for awhile and then go back to sleep.  During their sleep they do not pass wastes.  They fatten up before winter so they have energy for giving birth.  For mor einformation go to
 http://www.bears.org/learn4.htm