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Yesterday I wrote about Mr Spike our resident hedgehog and his family, which prompted me to research what happens during hibernation.

Hibernation is nature's way of helping vulnerable creatures survive through a long harsh winter when there is little to eat.

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Mr Spike can slow his heartbeat down from 190 beats per minute to just 20 beats whilst hibernating. His body temperature will also fall from 35 to 10 degrees Centigrade. As he uses far less energy, he can survive on his fat reserves for much longer.

Hedgehogs can have two litters......the first in May followed by a second litter in August. They stuff themselves with food during the summer and autumn before commencing their hibernation in late November. The second litter will struggle to survive as the hoglets haven't had enough time to build up their fat reserves.

Creatures can wake up for a short time during their period of hibernation to stock up on food and defecate.

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The following creatures hibernate in the UK....

Dormice
Hedgehogs
Bats
A range of insects including ladybirds, bumblebees and some butterflies
Reptiles such as adders, slow worms and grass snakes

Creatures abroad include the polar bear, arctic ground squirrel, himalayan marmot, Indian Rock python and the Chinese alligator.