Everything Everywhere Daily · Thursday, October 1, 2026
The host explained that hibernation is a behavior where animals reduce their metabolism to survive periods of low food supply, primarily occurring in colder climates. He clarified that while both cold and warm-blooded animals can reduce metabolism, only warm-blooded animals truly hibernate, and animals like bears prepare by building fat reserves.
“Well, Heather, there are different types of hibernation, and the word is often used to describe different sorts of behavior in animals, which simply reduce their metabolism for periods of time.”
“While cold and warm-blooded animals can both reduce their metabolism, only warm-blooded animals truly hibernate.”
“Hibernation is a technique used by animals to survive periods of low food supply. That's why it usually happens in colder climates when food is scarce in the winter.”