Short Wave The Fattest Bear Wins!
Oct 6, 2020
Rae Wynn-Grant, a wildlife ecologist with National Geographic, specializes in large carnivores, particularly black bears. In this engaging discussion, she reveals the surprising complexities of bear hibernation, from their unique physiological adaptations to the significant role of optimal foraging. Rae debunks myths about bear dens and explains how these fascinating creatures maximize their food intake before winter. Her insights connect the natural rhythms of hibernation to human experiences of rest and productivity, celebrating the wild wonders of nature.
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Black Bear Hibernation
- Not all black bears hibernate.
- Hibernation depends on food availability, which varies by location.
True Hibernators?
- There's scientific debate on whether bears truly hibernate.
- Rae Wynn-Grant argues that bears are true hibernators due to significant metabolic changes.
Optimal Foraging
- Bears preparing for hibernation follow optimal foraging theory.
- They maximize calorie intake while minimizing energy expenditure.