Here's why:
* Whales: Whales are marine mammals that are adapted to living in the ocean. They don't need to hibernate because they have access to food year-round. Some whale species do migrate to warmer waters during the winter, but this is not hibernation.
* Seals: Seals are also marine mammals, and while they may spend more time on land during the winter, they don't hibernate. Some seal species may reduce their activity and metabolism during the coldest months, but they don't enter a state of deep sleep like a true hibernator.
True hibernation is characterized by:
* Prolonged period of inactivity: The animal remains dormant for weeks or months.
* Reduced body temperature: The animal's body temperature drops significantly.
* Slowed metabolism: Metabolic rate decreases to conserve energy.
* Dependence on stored energy: The animal relies on stored fat reserves for energy.
Neither whales nor seals exhibit all of these characteristics, so they are not considered true hibernators.