Hibernating Black Bears Provide Insight into Human Health Concerns

The fisheries and wildlife sciences department in the College of Natural Resources analyzed multiple traits of hibernating black bears that could be applicable to human health. Researchers discovered that hibernating bears rarely exercise their muscle or bones, but unlike some humans on bed rest, they do not suffer from osteoporosis as a result of the period of inactivity. Blood samples revealed that bears continued manufacturing bone cells even during hibernation, and researchers took bone biopsies of bears to compare bone growth with hormone production before, during, and after hibernation. Additionally, the college discovered that studying black bears could help solve human health issues such as kidney function, cholesterol buildup, and depression.

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10/31/08