When you think of winter hibernation in Minnesota you probably think of the Black Bear. But there are a lot more creatures waking up from a long sleep in the state.

During the winter months in Minnesota, bears retreat into their dens where they undergo an extended period of hibernation lasting up to six or seven months.

Hibernating Bears Minnesota-Getty Thinkstock
Hibernating Bears Minnesota-Getty Thinkstock
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This whole time they rely solely on their stored body fat reserves, without any food or water.

They also don't urinate or defecate.

Guess What Animals Are Waking Up From Minnesota Hibernation-Getty Thinkstock
Guess What Animals Are Waking Up From Minnesota Hibernation-Getty Thinkstock
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Remarkably through this whole process bears recycle bodily wastes and then emerge in the spring season with minimal loss of muscle mass or strength.

Bears in Minnesota enter their hibernation period by retreating into their dens during the months of September and October.

They then emerge from this prolonged dormancy in the later parts of March extending into mid-April.

But it's not just bears that take the long winter's nap in Minnesota.

Animals that hibernate in Minnesota-Getty Thinkstock
Animals that hibernate in Minnesota-Getty Thinkstock
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Did you know that numerous creatures also hibernate in Minnesota including:

  • Woodchucks
  • Chipmunks
  • Bats
  • Turtles
  • Snakes
  • Lizards
  • Frogs
  • Toads
  • and lots of insects, ticks, and spiders.
Hibernating Bats-Getty Thinkstock
Hibernating Bats-Getty Thinkstock
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You Won't Believe The List Of Minnesota's 8 Deadliest Animals

When you think of Minnesota you probably picture lakes, camping, fishing, and Paul Bunyan. But there are also native animals that live in the state that can rough you up or even kill you.

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