Microbiota in Bears Differs Seasonally (IMAGE) Cell Press Caption This visual abstract depicts how the microbiota and serum metabolites in brown bears differ seasonally between hibernation and active phase. Colonization of mice with a bear microbiota promoted increased adiposity. These findings suggest that seasonal microbiota variation may contribute to metabolism of the hibernating brown bear. Credit Sommer et al./<i>Cell Reports</i> 2016 Usage Restrictions Credit Required. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.