Grizzly bear struggles to stay awake as hibernation season approaches

A grizzly bear at Maryland Zoo was captured on CCTV struggling to stay awake as hibernation season approaches.

During their long winter sleep, the body temperature of a bear dips to about 30-35C, and their heart rate slows to around 8-19 beats per minute.

“As the weather cools, grizzly bears Nova and Nita are starting to slow down and pack on weight - both signs of preparation for hibernation,” Maryland Zoo wrote, sharing footage of one lethargic animal on social media website X.

“The sisters will be viewable intermittently throughout the coming weeks until they fully bed down for winter.”