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Texas Gator’s Remarkable Winter Hibernation Strategy

A viral TikTok video from Gator Country, Texas, reveals an alligator’s survival strategy in freezing temperatures, submerging in ice with its snout poking through to breathe. This winter behavior, called brumation is an example of nature’s amazing adaptability.

By Beth Snider · January 25, 2024

Alligator Under Icy Pond gatorcountrytx/TikTok

Gator Country Adventure Park & Reptile Rescue in Beaumont, Texas, posted a TikTok video to show an alligator’s impressive survival tactic in freezing temperatures. The alligator is seen submerged in ice with only its snout poking through the ice to breathe, a technique described as a form of hibernation for ectothermic reptiles.

Gary Saurage, the owner of Gator Country, provided insights in the video, explaining that this seemingly unusual position is a normal winter behavior for cold-blooded animals like alligators. The reptile is in a state of brumation, akin to hibernation for cold-blooded creatures.

"His heart is beating three beats per minute. Folks, that's amazing. That's how alligators survive in the ice."
Gary Saurage

The video poses the question, “We all know what alligators do during the summer and spring… but what do they do in the winter and how do they survive?” The answer unfolds in the footage as the gator appears almost entirely submerged in the frozen pond with only the tip of its snout exposed.

“It has pushed its snout up through so it can get oxygen, so it can breathe. That animal is in full hibernation right there,” explains Saurage. Despite the frigid conditions, the alligator manages to survive by strategically positioning its snout above the ice to access oxygen.

According to the South Carolina Aquarium, alligators undergo a process known as brumation during winter. In this state, they experience a low metabolic rate, engaging in minimal activity while occasionally waking up to drink and prevent dehydration. Texas Parks and Wildlife notes that alligators in the region typically brumate between mid-October and early March, seeking dens for hibernation. Occasionally, they may find themselves in bodies of water, where, if iced over, they employ their snouts to create holes for breathing.

The viral video comes as Beaumont experienced chilly temperatures, with highs not exceeding the 40s last week, according to Weather Underground. Despite these challenging conditions, the alligator at Gator Country demonstrates nature’s incredible ability to adapt and survive even in the most adverse winter environments.