What Animals Hibernate In Autumn Uk

Hibernation is the theme for the third programme in this years series of Autumnwatch.

What animals hibernate in autumn uk. Hibernation is the most appealing tactic if you ask me. There are some other methods of getting through the autumn and winter. Interestingly hibernation is a response to cold conditions and not inherently necessary.

Bats which rely entirely on insects also hibernate wrapped in their wings deep in a cave tree or attic somewhere. Days are getting shorter leaves are turning brown and temperatures are dropping autumns here. They hibernate during winter when food is scarce and have a very low birth rate.

For example hedgehogs that are kept inside over the winter eg. Many adult insects die at the end of summer or autumn leaving their eggs or pupae under plant litter in soil or in bark crevices during winter. Young animals that have been rescued in the autumn because they have not gained enough weight to survive winter hibernation in the wild will remain active all season.

Bats will often pick hibernation roosts in old buildings or even the eaves of your house so watch out for them if youre moving things around or renovating during this period. Label the Hedgehog Worksheet SB11353. Queen bees will gorge on pollen and nectar to store fat before burrowing deep into the soil in early autumn.

Brumation in cold-blooded animals and diapause in insects. In Yellowstone National Park bears can gain up to 3lbs thats almost 15kg a day. Animals like bats dormice and hedgehogs find a place to hibernate for the winter.

In particular were concentrating on Britains only spiny mammal and quintessential hibernator the hedgehog. To celebrate the arrival of this beautiful season take a look at our favourite autumn animals. Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy.