Why do some animals hibernate in winter?

Some animals sleep long in winter. Because food is hard to find. Snow covers berries and bugs. Their bodies use less food. They wake when warm days return.

Some animals hibernate because winter can be cold and food can be hard to find. While they rest, their bodies slow down and need much less food. It is like turning a toy off to save its batteries. They live on food stored in their bodies until spring brings more meals.

Some animals hibernate in winter because food is hard to find and cold weather uses lots of energy. Hibernation is a deep rest. The animal’s body slows down. Its heart beats more slowly, it breathes less, and its body uses stored fat for fuel. This helps it stay alive until spring brings warmth and more food. Fun fact: a hibernating ground squirrel can get so cold that its body is almost like ice, but it still wakes up later.