Indeed, science fiction stories often depict astronauts climbing into cryogenic pods so they can take centuries-long naps—but this is still nothing more than the work of imagination. Biology offers humans no equivalent to sleep for long periods, but nature does provide something to other animals: hibernation.
Wildlife across the planet can hibernate for months and sometimes years on end. But this natural part of their lives has many benefits that humans don’t need.
So, what, exactly, is hibernation? And how do animals actually do it? Click on to find out.