Don’t we all wish we could hibernate during the cold winter months? Unlike us, these furry critters can. Keep your eyes open for these five hibernating animals this winter season.
1. Deer Mice
Deer mice have short lives and light hibernation periods, entering a state of light torpor instead of full hibernation. Even though they don’t completely hibernate, they still appear pretty sluggish, as their body temperature falls several degrees during torpor. Between daily snuggles and shared heat, deer mice save a lot of energy.

They’re known to enter domestic spaces looking for warmth. They’re more nocturnal than diurnal, so expect to see them during the night. They’re bundled up from morning to late afternoon, leaving at night to go out in search of food. …show more content…
Studies have shown that some squirrels enter hibernation as a response to a change in blood temperature, and males actually come out of hibernation first, followed by their female counterparts.
3. Raccoons
On warmer winter days, don’t be surprised to come across a raccoon. Slightly warmer weather, combined with hunger, pulls them out of their dens. Temperature that isn’t so bone-chilling makes foraging for food easier.
Raccoons also enter torpor: The state of hibernation that allows them to wake up and go outside when the weather isn’t too frigid. When they do sleep, it can last up to a month at a time. Their thick winter coats and ample stored fat help them sleep longer—a strategy that keeps them comfortable throughout the winter season. Raccoons are resourceful when it comes to finding a winter den: so ensure you keep them out of your yard and home this season.
4. Chipmunks
Chipmunks spend the fall season gathering an ample food supply and spend most of the winter sleeping and waking up as needed. Unlike some wildlife, they don’t fully hibernate. They wake up every few days to eat, popping in and out to dig into their cache of