WhittleTykes - The Longest Nap Ever Part Two

When napping, their body temperature, heart rate, and breathing drops lower than usual. During this time they don't eat or drink anything; they continue feeding off the food they ate during fall.

We as humans, set an alarm clock before napping, to tell us when to wake up. However, bears have an internal clock. That means that they never loose track of time because they can sense how much time has passed. Their nap could last for 5 whole months. That's about 150 days!

In spring their internal clock gives a loud Buzzzz, telling them it's time to wake up! When awaken they wander around and maybe unleash a mighty yawn. When they wake up they're very hungry because by this time they have lost most of their body fat. They search for food and enjoy their time until hibernation comes back next year.

So, the next time you rest your head on your fluffiest pillow and close your eyes tight to take a nap. Remember things could be worse. You could be a bear and have to take a nap for 5 whole months, the longest nap ever!

The Longest Nap Ever

By E.L. Perkins

Art by Steve Cartwright