It's a common myth that all black bears spend the whole winter sleeping
In fact, bears in the Smoky Mountains are not true hibernators
The point of hibernation is to store energy when the temperature drops
And food becomes more scarce for the bears
Bears in the Smokies will choose a "denning" site
Where they enjoy long periods of sleep and lower activity
But it doesn't get cold enough to fully hibernate in the South
Did you know bear cubs never hibernate? Find out why!