Lifestyle

Brumation animals

34 species

Brumation is a lethargic state that some ectothermic animals, such as many reptiles, assume during cold conditions. Reptiles generally begin brumation in late autumn. They often wake up to drink water and return to "sleep". They can go for months without food. The brumation period lasts anywhere from one to eight months depending on the air temperature and the size, age, and health of an animal. During the first year of life, many small reptiles do not fully brumate, but rather slow down and eat less often. Brumation is triggered by a lack of heat and a decrease in the hours of daylight in winter, similar to hibernation.
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Brumation is a lethargic state that some ectothermic animals, such as many reptiles, assume during cold conditions. Reptiles generally begin brumation in late autumn. They often wake up to drink water and return to "sleep". They can go for months without food. The brumation period lasts anywhere from one to eight months depending on the air temperature and the size, age, and health of an animal. During the first year of life, many small reptiles do not fully brumate, but rather slow down and eat less often. Brumation is triggered by a lack of heat and a decrease in the hours of daylight in winter, similar to hibernation.
show less