
Let’s Break the Ice: Alligators in Texas are Freezing Alive
Alligators in Texas have had it rough during these times of extreme winter temperatures. Many have been reported as completely frozen in lakes and streams, but they aren't dead thanks to their resilient super powers. Let me explain.
Brumation Station in Texas
When reptiles slow down their heart rate and breathing to the point of appearing dead, they are actually doing a natural response called "brumating". When these animals are seen during this process, they are often assumed to be hibernating, but these two are quite different.
You see, Cajun Encounters reveals that, during freezing temperatures, alligators will float near the surface of the water while keeping their noses in the air (also known as "snorkeling").
When a reptile brumates, they often take days where they only wake up to drink water before returning back to their dormant state.
This is much different than hibernation because mammals rely on the fat stored in their bodies for sustenance. This lets them sleep through their hibernation. Reptiles don't have these fat deposits to keep them fed, so they must wake up every once in a while during their dormant state, even during freezing temps.
Texas Alligator Geniuses
Gator Country, in Beaumont, TX, recently shared some facts about these giant lizards during winter. In a TikTok video, they note that alligators will slow down their breathing so much that they will only take about one breath every minute!
On top of that, their heartrate is down to three beats a minute during brumation periods.
It's incredible how alligators know this by instinct, as even the younger reptiles undergo the process. We know it's been cold in Texas, but when the gators start freezing solid, you know it's serious...
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Gallery Credit: Dan Patrick
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