Do Raccoons Hibernate?

In addition to their genetic makeup, raccoons have developed habits that make them more likely to survive winters than many other wild animals.

One habit is their version of hibernation, which is called torpor. Torpor is a state of decreased physiological activity in an animal, usually marked by a reduced body temperature and metabolic rate. During torpor, the raccoon's body uses less energy as it’s body temperature falls and insulin production lessens, triggers lower levels of blood sugar.

They sleep much more often but will come out on warm day to look for food. Raccoons activity levels do not go totally dormant like animals in hibernation but they may sleep for weeks at a time in this state.