While Hibernating, Bears Dream About Salmon, Human Suffering
In a new study Scientists have discovered a way to reveal the images that pass through a bear’s mind during hibernation.
Previously, hibernation was believed to be a continuous dormancy with distinct decreases in heart rate and metabolic rate, during which bears use up to 4,000 kcal per day, mainly body fat, but do not eat, drink, urinate, or defecate. They can reduce oxygen consumption and metabolic rate by half and breathe only once every 45 seconds. Heart rate can drop periodically to 8-21 beats per minute, and blood flow to skeletal muscle, particularly the legs, can be reduced by 45% or more.
But new studies have revealed that the bear is not sleeping, it is in a deep concentration state for 6-7 months playing images of horror, suffering, world domination and salmon over and over in its mind. On occasion, the bears also think about honey.
What else will scientists learn about these mysterious and fascinating creatures?
