Skip to main content

How does hibernation work? - Sheena Faherty

1,548,359 Views

8,868 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

The Arctic Ground Squirrel hibernates by burrowing under the permafrost and slipping into a state of suspended animation. The female black bear can give birth while she hibernates. The fat-tailed dwarf lemur prepares to hibernate by storing its fat reserves in its tail - doubling its body weight. Why do these animals go to such extremes? Sheena Lee Faherty details why animals hibernate.

How long can a torpor bout last?

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Sheena Faherty
  • Director Rémi Cans
  • Script Editor Emma Bryce
  • Art Director Rémi Cans
  • Animator Dabid Pascual, Davy Dumartheray

More from Awesome Nature