January Hibernation | But Why Adventures! Northeast Nature

When animals hibernate, everything in their bodies slow down. Bats can even drop their heart rate to just a few beats per minute. And wooly bear caterpillars can survive out in the open in sub-zero temperatures thanks to an antifreeze substance that prevents ice crystals from forming in their bloodstream. But it can be dangerous to disturb hibernating animals out in the wild. So in this episode, Jane Lindholm visits Barry Genzlinger, aka the Bat Guy, at The Vermont Bat Center, where he can monitor and support hibernating bats all winter long. Get up close and personal with a few little brown bats to see what hibernation is all about.