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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News AP Entertainment Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Holiday Guide Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend December 16, 2006 Since You Asked I have a question in regards to the Kim story, the family they found about two weeks ago in the mountains by Grants Pass. They found bear tracks crossing James Kim's tracks. Aren't bears hibernating at this time of the year? -- L. R., Talent Most bears do hibernate for part of the winter, albeit black bears often take their big naps later in the year in mild places like Southern Oregon, L.R. In contrast, in Alaska the larger grizzlies den earlier and emerge later. Wildlife biologists explain that hibernation enables them to live in places where food is not abundant year- round. Bears apparently get a bit grumpy if they have to migrate instead of snoozing. Advertisement But biologists also explain that it's not unusual for local bears to be found prowling around for a snack late in December. If food is plentiful, they often den later. A scarcity of food drives them into hibernation earlier. Bears often go into hibernation fat, waking up lean and hungry. When they do decide to take a long winter's nap, it's often in a cave, hollow log or anything that provides shelter from the storm. Scientists report that pregnant females, known as sows, are able to conserve valuable energy during hibernation, allowing them to nurture helpless newborns. For this reason, female black bears are more apt than their male counterparts to hibernate for part of the winter. When a bear is hibernating, its respiration rate drops to as slow as eight breaths a minute during deepest sleep. Unlike that of other hibernators, a bear's body temperature falls only slightly. Scientists speculate that may be because of its large body size and the fact that it metabolizes fat reserves while hibernating. [email protected] . Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Men's Clothing Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Discount Hotel Reservations Send Flowers Casinos Canada Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Trunks, Footlocker Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com