hibernators
Dormant through winter
Hibernators are animals that enter hibernation—a state of dormancy during winter months when metabolism slows dramatically and body temperature drops.
Bears, groundhogs, and certain bats are classic hibernators.
The term extends figuratively to people who become inactive or reclusive in cold weather: I'm a hibernator—don't expect to see me until spring.
Supports or tolerates
- groundhogsLarge burrowing North American rodents
- chipmunksSmall striped burrowing rodents
- dormiceSquirrel-like hibernating rodents
- hedgehogsSmall spine-covered mammals
marmots · bats · hamsters · woodchucks · squirrels · box turtles · tree frogs · deer mice
Private room or lair
- burrowAnimal's dug dwelling
- caveUnderground hollow in rock
- hibernaculumDormant animal's seasonal shelter
- hollow logEmpty cylinder of wood
nest · underground chamber · rock crevice · leaf litter · tree cavity · warren · sett · lodge
Inactive, sluggish state
- thermoregulationMaintaining stable internal heat
- metabolismCellular nutrient conversion
- fat reservesStored adipose tissue
- body temperatureInternal heat level
heart rate · oxygen consumption · metabolic rate · brown fat · energy conservation · glycogen · respiration · hypothermia
Year's coldest quarter
- dormancySuspended biological activity
- overwinterSurvive the cold season
- frostThin ice coating
- snowfallPrecipitation of frozen crystals
solstice · freeze · thaw · seasonal cycle · temperature drop · first frost
bears
Supports or tolerates
- groundhogsLarge burrowing North American rodents
- chipmunksSmall striped burrowing rodents
- dormiceSquirrel-like hibernating rodents
hedgehogs · marmots · bats · hamsters · woodchucks · squirrels · box turtles · tree frogs · deer mice · skunks
den
Private room or lair
- burrowAnimal's dug dwelling
- caveUnderground hollow in rock
- hibernaculumDormant animal's seasonal shelter
hollow log · nest · underground chamber · rock crevice · leaf litter · tree cavity · warren · sett · lodge · mud bank
torpor
Inactive, sluggish state
- thermoregulationMaintaining stable internal heat
- metabolismCellular nutrient conversion
- fat reservesStored adipose tissue
body temperature · heart rate · oxygen consumption · metabolic rate · brown fat · energy conservation · glycogen · respiration · hypothermia · blood flow
winter
Year's coldest quarter
- dormancySuspended biological activity
- overwinterSurvive the cold season
- frostThin ice coating
snowfall · solstice · freeze · thaw · seasonal cycle · temperature drop · first frost
denning
Retiring to lair
gorging · emergence · curling · huddling · inactivity · wakening · stirring · rousing · sheltering · retreating