Do Polar Bears Hibernate in Winter? - hibernation for kids

Hibernating animals breathe much more slowly and their body temperature falls. 
They also need much less food. 
They build up a thick layer of fat during the warmer months and use it up very slowly during hibernation.

Unlike brown and black bears the polar bears do not overwinter in dens.

Only pregnant polar bears enter a den, give birth, and emerge three months later.

Most of the polar bears are active throughout the year, because they are able to reduce their metabolic rate when food is scarce and adjust it again when food is abundant.

The scientists call this walking hibernation.

Polar bears during the walking hibernation maintain normal body temperature, and they are able to save energy by reducing their metabolic rate and recycling proteins.