The Difference Between Dormancy and Hibernation
Only a few mammals are true hibernators (the woodchuck, ground hog, jumping
mice,
ground squirrels, dormice, hamsters, hedgehogs, some bats.) Even though
they are endotherms, the body temperatures and metabolic rates of these
animals drop considerably
during hibernation.
Many other animals, such as bears, sleep through much of the winter. This is NOT true hibernation since a drastic drop in metabolic rate does not occur. It is more properly termed winter dormancy. Actually black bears give birth during their winter sleep--no doubt waking up briefly to accomplish the feat.
WPC has assisted in the protection of several caves that are home to
Pennsylvania's six hibernating species of bats. The caves at Canoe Creek
State Park, near Altoona, Pa. serve as a recent example of our efforts
to protect bat habitat..