Submitted by blind_ninja_guy t3_10modnu in askscience
Otherwise-Way-1176 t1_j69x7ta wrote
Reply to comment by [deleted] in why don’t dear, elk, moose, wolves, etc get frostbite in winter? by blind_ninja_guy
>This is partly due to their metabolic rate, which is much lower in cold temperatures than it is in higher temperatures.
Are you sure this is accurate?
A lower metabolic rate would mean that the animal is generating less heat. Which presumably would confer lower cold tolerance than a high metabolic rate.
Hibernating animals do have a lower metabolic rate. But they compensate with more insulating fur, and by selecting sheltered places to hibernate. The lowered metabolism doesn’t help avoid frostbite.
[deleted] t1_j6b83yw wrote
[removed]
Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments