As the weather gets colder animals start to prepare for winter. Some animals migrate to warmer climates while others hibernate. Hibernation is a way for animals to survive the winter by going into a deep sleep. During hibernation animals’ heart rates and breathing slow down and their body temperatures drop.
Tortoises are reptiles so they are cold-blooded. This means that their internal body temperature depends on the temperature of their surroundings. In the wild tortoises hibernate during the winter to avoid the cold weather.
When tortoises hibernate they bury themselves in the ground to stay warm. They can stay buried for months at a time!
Hibernation is a survival strategy for tortoises because it allows them to conserve energy. When it’s cold outside food is scarce. By hibernating tortoises don’t have to eat or drink so they can survive on the food they’ve stored in their bodies.
Tortoises aren’t the only animals that hibernate. Bears bats groundhogs and even some birds hibernate to survive the winter.
If you’re interested in learning more about hibernation check out these articles:
“Why Do Animals Hibernate?” from National Geographic Kids
“Hibernation and Sleep in Animals” from Science Kids
“10 Animals That Hibernate” from Smithsonian Zoo
How long do tortoises hibernate for?
Tortoises can hibernate for up to 6 months.
How do tortoises hibernate?
Tortoises lower their body temperature and heart rate and enter a state of lethargy.
Why do tortoises hibernate?
Tortoises hibernate to escape the cold weather and to conserve energy.
Where do tortoises hibernate?
Tortoises hibernate in burrows rock crevices or other hiding places.
How do tortoises know when to hibernate?
The shorter days and cooler temperatures in autumn stimulate tortoises to begin preparing for hibernation.
What do tortoises eat before hibernating?
To prepare for hibernation tortoises eat large amounts of food and store body fat.
What happens to tortoises during hibernation?
Tortoises remain in a state of lethargy and do not eat drink or pass waste during hibernation.
Do all tortoises hibernate?
No not all tortoises hibernate.
Tortoises that live in warm climates do not need to hibernate.
What are the risks of hibernation for tortoises?
If a tortoise does not eat enough before hibernating it can starve to death.
If a tortoise hibernates in a damp place it can develop a respiratory infection.
How can you tell if a tortoise is hibernating?
A tortoise in hibernation will have a slow heart rate and low body temperature.
Can humans hibernate?
No humans cannot hibernate like tortoises can.
How do scientists study hibernation?
Scientists study hibernation by observing animals in the wild and by conducting experiments on animals in laboratories.
What have scientists learned from studying hibernation?
Scientists have learned that hibernation is a way for animals to conserve energy and survive in cold weather.
What other animals hibernate?
Other animals that hibernate include bears bats and ground squirrels.
What do you think would happen if tortoises did not hibernate?
If tortoises did not hibernate they would not be able to survive in cold weather.
