Hibernation vs. Torpor

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Hibernation or Torpor?

What is the difference?

When it turns cold and snowy you may hear people talking about wanting to hibernate. So what is hibernation? Hibernation is a voluntary state that an animal enters into in order to conserve energy, survive when food is scarce, and minimize their need to face the elements in the cold winter months. Think of it as a truly deep sleep. It's a body state marked by a low body temperature, slow breathing and heart rate, and low metabolic rate. It can last for several days, weeks, or months depending upon the species.

The term hibernation is commonly applied to all types of winter dormancy in vertebrate animals. But true hibernators include many fishes, amphibians, and reptiles that overwinter with body temperatures near freezing. Many other animals that spend most of the winter sleeping in dens are actually in a state of torpor, or light hibernation.

Torpor is a temporary state in which an animal’s breathing, heartbeat, body temperature, and metabolism are reduced, for a short period of time. This could range from less than a day to a few weeks when environmental conditions warrant.

Now is the time to break out of your winter torpor and get out and enjoy our great outdoors! Come visit us at Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center or another conservation area. Go take a hike on your favorite trail or discover a new adventure.

For more information on this topic, events, and programs, please call us at 417-629-3434 or email Shaol.Creek@mdc.mo.gov. Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center is regularly open Tuesday-Friday 9:00 AM till 5:00 PM, and Saturdays 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

Bats

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