Winter in the forest: hedgehogs "reset", female bears give birth in their sleep

      The season of bear-cub births has begun in the forests of Kirov Region. According to the region’s Ministry of Environmental Protection, this winter has been within the climatic norm and without extreme frosts, which helps wild animals get through the cold season calmly.

      Experts explain that animals use different natural mechanisms to overwinter. For example, hedgehogs go into a deep hibernation: their body temperature almost drops to zero, and their heart beats only about five times a minute. Bears, badgers and raccoon dogs sleep less deeply — their metabolism slows down, but they can wake up quickly if necessary.

      Bears are now just entering their birthing period. Cubs are born very tiny, weighing 300–400 grams, but by spring they gain up to 3–6 kg. Females nurse the young right in the den, hardly leaving their half‑sleep.

      Moose, hares, birds and many predators are active all winter. By the cold season they grow thick fur or dense plumage, and the fat they have stored helps them survive the frosts. Small animals take refuge under the snow: mice and voles dig entire tunnels there, and grouse bury themselves in snowdrifts.