unlike bears, they have a different systems.
they are scavengers, and they live in warmer climates.
p.s. its skunks.
No, they don't actually shut down, but they do sleep a lot.
yes
No. True hibernators must lower both their heart rate AND their lower they inner core temperature. In the case of bears, they only lower their heart rate while their inner core temperature remains high. The largest true hibernators are groundhogs.
Woodchucks, ground squirrels and bats are true hibernators.
Raccoons and skunks may be seen about during winter months. During the coldest and snowiest times they remain in their den and sleep. It is not a true hibernation, however, as they may arise during less severe days and forage for food.
Yes, so if you notice they sleep more often in the winter, its hibernating.
Appetite suppression, specifically; avoidance of sweets such as berries and honey. Also, hibernation; they are NOT true hibernators, they are easily awakened.
The Racoons was created in 2008.
No, moles are not true hibernators in the winter. Moles are capable of entering torpor which preserves energy and allows the moles to rest during cold weather.
No. Only the bear hibernates. Actually, bears do not truly hibernate, because their breathing and body temperature does not drop as much as true hibernators like ground squirrels and other rodents.
No. There are no wild racoons in Europe.
Some types of bats hibernate. Some professor used to keep bats in his refrigerator. They were alive. He'd heat them up (i.e., take them out) and study them (feed them).