Features of animals: why the bear falls into a hibernation

Once, brown bears in nature were many. Among them were families and groups. Now we have left only a division based on the geographical location. Many people have an idea why a bear falls into a hibernation. But it makes sense to understand whether all "club-footed" are inclined to this? Perhaps in the southern regions there are animals that are awake all year round?

Distinctive features

Brown bear is a large animal. Individuals living in the European part of the continent, reach 1.4 - 2 m with a weight of up to 400 kg. Bears of Kamchatka and Alaska can weigh up to 1000 kg. Such a giant, rising on its hind legs, has an increase of up to 3 m.

The brown bear's body is powerful. The head is massive, with small eyes and ears, a high withers, thick fur, a wide post and a short tail - a typical image of a brown bear. Claws (up to 10 cm long) on powerful five-fingered paws do not hide.

Bears are animals that stiff. If necessary, for a short time develop a speed of up to 40-50 km / h. Water obstacles overcome with ease. To hide in a tree from an enraged bear will not work.

In their nutrition, vegetable food predominates (by ¾). First of all it is berries, acorns, nuts, roots and tubers of plants, and also their juicy stalks. It is this feature that is decisive in understanding why a bear falls into a hibernation in a harsh period. As for coloring, the main color is brown. The shade of the coat can be significantly different even in individuals living in the same area (from black, pale-gray and gray to reddish-brown).

Lifestyle

Bears define their territory and fix borders with marks. It is believed that they live sedentary, although they can make migrations related to the search for more suitable feeding places. In early spring they are looking for glades, where snow falls and the ground thaws faster. During the activity of the nest they can leave the forest thicket to open places. During spawning they make hikes to the rivers for hunting fish in shallow water.

But they can not move to the southern regions for the winter time - this is another good reason for understanding why bears fall into hibernation in the winter. They lead a sedentary lifestyle and are forced to return to traditional habitats. With the advent of autumn, it is becoming more difficult to find food - to have to look for a way to wait out the cold.

Why bears fall asleep in winter

The ability to fall asleep in the cold is also characteristic of other animals. By the way, not only the winter period causes hibernation. In a desert area, small rodents can enter into a drowsy state and in summer, during a drought. Under adverse conditions, unplanned dormancy can last until the very spring.

Brown bear can not afford such a long rest. The period of hibernation can vary from 2.5 to 6 months. But sometimes it lasts and more, if circumstances so require. When asked why the brown bear runs into hibernation, and does not store stocks of roots, nuts and acorns for the winter, it is difficult to answer. Apparently, he prefers to store them in the form of subcutaneous fat - so reliable, and warmer.

It should be clearly understood why the bear hibernates. This is due to extreme necessity. Only in this way animals can survive in winter. At the same time, it should be noted that individuals living in southern regions with a sufficient forage base can do without seasonal sleep all year round.

It is also worth dispelling the myth about the alleged ability of bears to suck their paws and thus eat in winter. This habit, as experts say, is related to the peculiarity of the molting of the soles of bears. Rough skin from them during the stay in the lair peels off. This is due to lack of movement and load. Young and tender skin on the soles of cold. Therefore, bears warm her with their breath and lick their tongue.

Cranks: why the bear falls asleep in winter

What happens if you wake the beast in the den? Hibernation of the bears is superficial. The anxious animal will wake up and is able to react quickly to danger or sudden changes in conditions. As a rule, the awakened bear will look for a new den if the old leg is unsuitable for sleeping.

In that case, why does the brown bear fall into hibernation in winter again, rather than waiting for spring? This is the easiest way to survive. But there are situations where, for various reasons, animals do not eat enough fat during the summer. They can not lie in a lair in this condition until the spring. Hunger forces you to leave the den and go in search of food. Korenev, nuts, acorns and other food to him under the snow can not be found. The only way to survive is to engage in predation.

Under such circumstances, the bear decides to attack weakened animals and even predators. He is ready to take the prey from wolves and foxes, there is carrion. He can enter the surrounding populated areas, destroy apiaries, attack livestock and people. Meeting a man with an old hungry bear-rod can end sadly - this must be remembered and understood.