Why Some Animals Delay Hibernation in Warmer Autumns
Why Some Animals Delay Hibernation in Warmer Autumns
US · Published Oct 7, 2025
Warmer autumns are causing some animals to delay hibernation, disrupting traditional patterns.
Delayed hibernation can offer benefits like increased energy reserves but also raises risks like predation.
Changing hibernation patterns highlight the impact of climate change on wildlife and ecosystems.
Hibernation delays in warmer autumns explained
As autumn leaves turn and the days grow shorter, many animals prepare for a long winter slumber. Hibernation, a state of inactivity characterized by lower body temperature, slow breathing, and reduced metabolic rate, is a survival strategy that allows animals to conserve energy during periods of food scarcity and harsh weather. However, with autumn temperatures on the rise due to climate change, the timing of hibernation is shifting for some species.
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