Hibernation is a state of inactivity and metabolic depression in
animals, characterized by lower body temperature, slower
breathing, and lower metabolic rate. Hibernation conserves
energy, especially during winter. Hibernation may last several
days, or weeks depending on species, ambient temperature, and
time of year. The typical winter season for a hibernator is
characterized by periods of hibernation interrupted by sporadic
euthermic arousals wherein body temperature is restored to
typical values. Hibernation allows animals to conserve energy
during the winter when food is short. During hibernation,
animals drastically lower their metabolism so as to tap energy
reserves stored as body fat at a slower rate. Animals that
hibernate include bats, some species of ground squirrels and
other rodents, mouse lemurs, the West European Hedgehog and
other insectivores, monotremes and marsupials. Even some
rattlesnakes, such as the Western Diamondback, are known to
hibernate in caves every winter. Historically, Pliny th