May 9, 2025
When temperatures drop, some animals enter long periods of dormancy to survive. Here are 10 animals that hibernate for exceptionally long durations, conserving energy through the harshest conditions.
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This small rodent can hibernate for up to 11 months, especially when food is scarce, making it one of the longest hibernators in the animal kingdom.
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The alpine marmot hibernates for 7–8 months in underground burrows, relying on body fat and social warmth from its group.
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Little brown bats can hibernate for 6–7 months, often in caves or mines where they lower their metabolism to survive winter.
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This bird is one of the few that truly hibernates, staying dormant for up to 5 months during cold or dry seasons.
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Black bears can hibernate for up to 7 months, though they don’t eat, drink, or defecate during this time.
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Based on the climate, European hedgehogs sleep for around 5–6 months, curled up in leaf nests or burrows.
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Box turtles enter a state of brumation (similar to hibernation) for up to 5 months, staying buried and motionless.
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Some species, like the Arctic ground squirrel, hibernate for 7–8 months, even letting their body temperature drop below freezing.
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Wood frogs can survive up to 6 months in a frozen state, with their bodily fluids partially turning to ice.
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Found in Madagascar, this lemur hibernates for up to 7 months in tree holes, living off fat stored in its tail.
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