What Do Animals Do During Hibernation. Hibernating animals live off fat stores, and some wake up periodically to eat, but they need much, much less food than they would were they awake—or even if they were sleeping. During hibernation, the animal’s heart rate, body temperature, and breathing rate are reduced to conserve energy.
Their bodies sustain themselves through the energy reserves they stored during the hot seasons. A torpor, however, is just a state of physical or mental inactivity in the animal. They may sleep during the most severe weather and wake to roam and eat during milder weather.
Animals that hibernate have evolved an adaptation that allows them to survive long stretches of time when food is scarce — like severe winters.
Animals that hibernate have evolved an adaptation that allows them to survive long stretches of time when food is scarce — like severe winters. Hibernating animals live off fat stores, and some wake up periodically to eat, but they need much, much less food than they would were they awake—or even if they were sleeping. By eating more than usual, the animal builds up extra layers of fat. During hibernation, the animals will start to utilize the body fats that they have accumulated by feeding before the hibernation period has started.