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Hibernating animals

Animals can survive winter through hibernation, shorter periods of torpor or a strong reduction in activity. Mammals, reptiles and amphibians respond to cold and scarce food in different ways.

Which animals hibernate or become inactive in winter?

Examples include hedgehogs, bats, marmots, brown bears, frogs, turtles, salamanders, lizards, hamsters, European hamsters and ground squirrels. The response varies by species, local climate and conditions.