Magazine article from our research archive:

While they were sleeping: the science behind a long winter's nap.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Take a solitary walk through any of America's national parks in winter, and you may get the impression that you're the sole wakeful presence in an otherwise sleeping world. For the most part, you'd be right. Although some predators are able to find food in wintertime, animals that don't migrate generally spend the coldest months in a deep slumber, conserving energy.

The seasonal state of inactivity we call hi bernation is characterized by decreased metabolism, lowered body temperatures, and slowed breathing rates. Once food becomes sparse, hibernating mammals seek out or excavate den sites that are, preferably, below the frost line and ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

See all results. Or, try our Advanced Search.

Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 60 million articles! Access over 3,500 publications with a FREE trial!