Animals Hibernate in Winter Because of the Cold
Some animals spend a long time “sleeping” during particular times of the year. Animals that sleep during winter are said to hibernate, and those that sleep during dry seasons (particularly in tropical regions) are said to be in aestivation.
While most people think bears hibernate during winter due to the cold weather, it is actually because food becomes scarce. Hibernation can last for several months, and during this time frame, bears do not consume anything – no food or water and they don’t relieve themselves either. When they finally wake up from hibernation, they are skinny and weak but looking to quickly regain the weight lost.