Which animal hibernates normally during the winter?

• A. Opossum
• B. Red squirrel
• C. Woodchuck
• D. Raccoon

Answer: (C)

Woodchucks are true hibernators. In winter they retreat to underground burrows, have substantial fat reserves, and enter a deep, prolonged torpor where their body temperature, heart rate, and overall metabolism drop dramatically. They sleep through most of the season and only briefly arouse, which is characteristic of true hibernation.

The other animals listed do not undergo this kind of long, deep hibernation. Opossums aren’t true hibernators; they may slow their activity during cold spells but don’t enter a sustained, deep torpor. Red squirrels cache food and remain largely active in winter rather than hibernating. Raccoons den up and sleep more in winter, but they don’t enter a true hibernation either.