Bears gather leaves, grass and twigs to make warm, comfortable beds where they curl up for their long period of hibernation. In the northern regions, hibernation can last up to 7 months. In the South, hibernation may not take place at all because food is available all year round.

Look at the den below that a bear has made. Does it look comfortable to you? Would you want to sleep there all winter?

This picture was taken from The National Geographic

To survive long winters without eating, drinking, exercising or going to the bathroom, the hibernating bears cut their heart rate in half. During the summer the bear's heart will beat between 60 and 90 beats per minute. In the winter while the bear is sleeping, the heart will beat between 8 and 40 beats per minute. WOW! Take your pulse right now. It should be between 60 and 70 beats per minute. Now jump up and down for 20 seconds and then take your pulse. Is it a lot faster now? Compare your pulse to that of the bear. Is there a big difference? Do you think that you could live with a pulse of 8 beats per minute?
 

To learn more about all kinds of bears try out these grrrreat web sites!

The Bear Den: This site describes the eight kinds of bears, offering information on where they live, what they eat, how many cubs they have, and much much more!

The Cub Den: Find out some amazing facts about bears including how good their senses are and how fast they can run!

Polar Bears International: Learn all about Polar Bears and how they are different from other bears.
 
 

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