Nature’s Winter Sleepers
As winter rolls in across Minnesota, and Camp Foley becomes quieter, with many animals retreating into hibernation. Hibernation, a state of dormancy that helps animals survive cold months when food is scarce, is common in some species living in Minnesota. Let’s take a look at four animals here at camp that hibernate, and learn more about how they adapt to the harsh winter conditions.
1. The Eastern Chipmunk
We see these cheerful little rodents running around camp all summer long, with their cheeks full of acorns! Eastern chipmunks are some of the most well-known hibernators in Minnesota. These small, striped rodents spend the colder months in deep hibernation, often starting in late fall and emerging in early spring. Before settling in for the long winter, chipmunks gather food, such as nuts and seeds, to store in their burrows. Their metabolism drops dramatically during hibernation, allowing them to survive on their food stores without needing to eat or drink for months. During hibernation, chipmunks will periodically wake up to eat from their cache, but their overall activity is minimal.
Fun Fact: Chipmunks don’t sleep the entire time—they will periodically wake up, stretch, and eat. Their hibernation is not a true deep sleep, as they experience periods of torpor and wakefulness.
Learn More: How Eastern Chipmunks Hibernate
2. The Groundhog
Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are well-known for their role in predicting the weather on Groundhog Day. We don’t see many at Foley, but we do find evidence of them! Often times when we find damage to the under side of a building, we know a groundhog has been there! These burrowing animals are also true hibernators in Minnesota. Before winter sets in, groundhogs will build large burrows and pack on weight by eating a variety of plant matter. Their hibernation lasts for several months, typically from October or November until early spring. During hibernation, their heart rate drops significantly, and their body temperature lowers to match the surrounding environment. This allows them to conserve energy until the warmer months return.
Fun Fact: Groundhogs can hibernate for up to five months! During this time, their body temperature can drop to nearly freezing, and their heart rate slows to just a few beats per minute.
Learn More: Groundhog Hibernation Facts
3. The Little Brown Bat
The little brown bat is another creature that calls Minnesota home and is well-adapted to survive the harsh winters by hibernating. Throughout camp there are bat houses high up on different poles and buildings. Campers love to stand under them to try and hear the bats moving and chirping. These small, nocturnal mammals spend the colder months in caves, mines, or other dark, cool places. During hibernation, their body temperature drops to near freezing, and their metabolism slows down drastically. Bats will often cluster together in groups, sharing warmth (how cute!). They can hibernate for up to 6 months without needing to eat, relying on fat stores they’ve built up during the summer and fall.
Fun Fact: Little brown bats are critical for controlling insect populations, and during the winter, their hibernation in caves helps protect them from the cold and predators.
Learn More: Bats and Their Winter Habits
4. The American Black Bear
Believe it or not, a black bear is not the rarest sight here at Foley! Though they don’t enter a true hibernation like some smaller animals, American black bears undergo a period of torpor, a form of light hibernation, during the winter months. In Minnesota, bears usually begin to slow down and enter their dens in late fall, often seeking out hollowed trees, caves, or other sheltered areas. While in their dens, bears remain largely inactive but will occasionally wake up to drink or shift positions. They don’t eat during the winter, relying on the fat they accumulated during the summer and fall. Unlike true hibernators, black bears can raise their body temperature and become active if disturbed, though they typically remain in torpor for several months.
Fun Fact: Bears are often referred to as “super hibernators” because, while they may wake up during the winter, they can survive without food for several months by living off their fat reserves.
Learn More: How Bears Hibernate
It’s true Minnesota’s winter brings harsh conditions, but certain animals have adapted remarkably well by hibernating. Whether it’s the chipmunks, groundhogs, bats, or bears, these creatures have unique strategies to survive the cold months. Their ability to slow their metabolism, conserve energy, and survive off stored food helps them make it through the long winter until the warmth of spring arrives, and soon after that Summer Camp!
By studying these fascinating hibernators, we gain a deeper understanding of nature’s resilience and how life can endure even in the most extreme conditions. Next time winter settles over Minnesota, remember the animals that are quietly hibernating, waiting for the first signs of spring to stir them from their long winter rest.
Would you like to learn more about other animals in Minnesota? Feel free to reach out!