Bears do not hibernate, but they do go for a long deep sleep during the winter months. They go into what is called torpor state. During hibernation a animal will sleep through the winter, it will not wake up when there is loud noise or even when they are moved or touched. In torpor state the animal can wake up quickly and easily. Bears heart rate is very low like those animals hibernating, but unlike those in hibernation, bears body temperature is high. No matter if the animals go into hibernation or into torpor state, both need to store body fat in the fall, which will get used up while sleeping, thus saving the muscles. This big guy went to sleep toward the end of November or early December, but if anyone by mistake come across its den, it will quickly wake up and will not be happy. Kind of like when someone goes for my chocolate.
