you all know the japanese snow monkey which bath in hotsprings. how can they actually leave the hotspring without freezing? when they leave the water, the fur is soaked and they should get problems with their body temperature.
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I think you underestimate the mammalian body’s ability to cope with mild cold (freezing) temperatures. Besides the oils that inhibit the water absorption deep into the fur, we have a lot of body mass, which is continuously producing heat, and an effective circulatory system that distributes it. Because of the temperature difference between body and air, the heat quickly drives the moisture from your skin/fur into the cool dry air, which readily absorbs it. You dry much faster on a cold dry day than on a hot humid one.
Try taking a dip in a hot tub when it’s around freezing out, then get out and don’t towel off. You’ll see it in action. You will dry very quickly and besides a slight discomfort you won’t get seriously cold for a while.
Interestingly enough, snow monkeys have two layers of fur. The inner fur has a lot more oil in it and is water resistant. The outer fur isn’t, however, and gets wet, but dries quickly due to hard shaking.
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