Birmingham Zoo bears return to habitat following 88-day nap
After nearly three months of napping, the bears at the Birmingham Zoo are back in action.
On Thursday, the zoo announced that, following an 88-day "torpor" season, black bears Betsy and Sassy have returned to their habitats and are once again ready to greet visitors.
According to the National Forest Foundation, torpor is when animals like bears enter a prolonged state of energy conservation triggered by cold temperatures and dwindling food supplies. Think hibernation for larger species.
Unlike hibernation, however, when animals enter the torpid state, they are still able to quickly snap awake to avoid potential danger or, if available, leave their dens for a short period to find food.
This torpor season, Betsy and Sassy slept for 38 more days than last season and lost a combined weight of over 40 pounds!
The pair was separated throughout the season as bears can be quite protective of their dens while in the torpid state but now the bears are back together and ready for warm weather.
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Zookeepers would like to remind incoming guests that Spring is peak climbing season for bears so keep your eyes on the trees when you visit!