Citation
Behavior, biochemistry, and hibernation in black, grizzly, and polar bears
TL;DR
Bears don't eat, drink, urinate, or defecate during hibernation (5-7 months)
This classic paper established the remarkable fact that bears don't eat, drink, urinate, or defecate for up to six months during hibernation - yet emerge healthy. The metabolic recycling mechanisms described have implications for understanding how organizations can maintain health during prolonged operational shutdown.
Key Findings from Nelson et al. (1983)
- Bears don't eat, drink, urinate, or defecate during hibernation (5-7 months)
- Urea is recycled rather than excreted
- Muscle mass and bone density are preserved despite immobility
- Hibernation patterns similar across black, grizzly, and polar bears