A bear does NOT defecate during hibernation.

The statement is true because during hibernation, a bear's metabolism slows down significantly, and its body temperature drops. This physiological state allows the bear to conserve energy and survive on stored fat reserves without eating or drinking. As a result, the digestive system essentially shuts down, and the bear does not produce waste or defecate during this period. The stored waste from the bear's last meal before hibernation is reabsorbed by the body instead of being expelled as feces. Once hibernation ends, and the bear starts waking up, it will resume normal bodily functions, including defecation.