Physiological dynamics of body temperature and heart rate during hibernation periods in male Japanese black bears (<i>Ursus thibetanus japonicus</i>).

ABSTRACT:

Background

The Japanese black bear (Ursus thibetanus japonicus) exhibits a profound seasonal metabolism shift, with a substantial increase in body weight in autumn and metabolic suppression during hibernation in winter. This species hibernates under the strict regulation of endogenous and environmental factors, making it a compelling subject for studies on the interrelationships between vital signs and metabolism. Studies continuously monitoring body temperature (Tb) and heart rate (HR) in Japanese black bears is limited, leaving gaps in understanding their synchronized fluctuations during hibernation.

Methods

Here, we conducted long-term monitoring to investigate changes in the Tb and HR of Japanese black bears across the pre-hibernation, hibernation-induction, hiber

SUBMITTER: Luo X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12922586 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature