There are many ways to know that it is finally Spring in Ontario. The ice has melted, the trees are budding, and sap has flowed. Another sign that spring is upon us is the many animals that are coming out from hibernation.
Residents of old-age homes near you are not the only ones going out and enjoying the outdoors this spring. Animals in hibernation are slowly coming out of winter’s slumber.
Many of us are somewhat familiar with how animals hibernate. But have you ever wondered how some wildlife wake up from their hibernation?
Learning New Things About Wildlife at Senior Residences Near You
There are so many wonderful benefits of learning new things for active seniors. It’s great for brain development and health. For this reason, we give our residents at Livita various opportunities to learn.
With spring upon us, it’s natural to be curious about how wildlife in Ontario is doing. Let’s look at how some of these animals wake up from hibernation.
1. Little Brown Bats
These creatures can migrate from one cave to another during winter. They look for humid caves that remain above freezing. These bats spend around 180 days in hibernation. Their internal clock lets them know if it’s time to wake up during spring.
2. Bears
Grizzlies or black bears go into torpor during winter. It is similar to hibernation. However, they can wake up for short periods of time. When the weather gets warmer, bears start to emerge.
When they come out around April, bears usually tend to be lethargic for weeks. They’ve lost about one-third of their body weight and are still regaining their metabolism.
3. Turtles
These shelled creatures tend to spend the entire winter season at the bottom of frozen lakes and ponds. The body temperature of a turtle changes with the environment. This allows them to get the oxygen they need to survive underwater.
When water temperatures go up, so does a turtle’s internal temperature. This is their key to moving into the higher ground during spring.
4. Groundhogs
Groundhogs are classic hibernators. So classic that there’s a day dedicated to their rise from hibernation.
During winter, they retreat into burrows. Their body temperatures and heart rate drop to levels that render them inactive. As soon as air and ground temperatures rise, they start being active again. Interestingly, they wake up from slumber to find mates as spring is usually the mating season for groundhogs.
This only covered a few of Ontario’s interesting local wildlife and their spring habits. With the province’s rich array of wildlife, there is still so much to discover.
Knowledge Is Power at Senior Residences Near You
At Livita Retirement Residences, it is important for us that residents live a vibrant life. Whether it’s gardening, fitness, bird watching, or wildlife, we support our resident’s passions and interests.
Our commitment to personalized programs and services is what sets us apart! If you’re looking for an old age home near you, Livita’s locations are your top choice.
Ask us about our facilities, programs, and the average cost of Ontario senior care! Talk to our friendly team today
