Alligators were found in "deep freeze mode" to survive

As the temperatures in North Carolina fell under 0, the alligators of Shallotte River Swamp Park froze and found themselves idle with their muzzle out of the ice.

At least 18 alligators in Swall River Park on the Shallotte River in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, have entered an inert state called “Brumation”, and which is observed in cold-blooded animals in periods of low s. They were found "frozen" with their noses above the ice as temperatures dropped well below zero.

Brumation is a “semi-ops” observed in cold-blooded animals, and allows them to slow down their metabolism and remain without food and water. For alligators, the condition can last four to five months and can be triggered by temperatures below 21 degrees Celsius. They stay in the water and hold their nostrils above it so they can breathe. The process is similar to hibernation but differs in the metabolic processes involved. In general, hibernation refers only to mammals.

According to Mr. Howard, director of the park, this behavior "is a survival mechanism that alligators do in case they need to breathe. Once the temperatures start to drop they stick their noses out of the water, and if it freezes, it will freeze around their snout and allow them to breathe. When the melts, the alligators come back free and start their lives again".

The Shallotte River Swamp Park is a privately licensed and certified North Carolina Reptile Rescue Shelter.

iGuRu.gr The Best Technology Site in Greecefgns

every publication, directly to your inbox

Join the 2.100 registrants.

Written by Dimitris

Dimitris hates on Mondays .....

Leave a reply

Your email address is not published. Required fields are mentioned with *

Your message will not be published if:
1. Contains insulting, defamatory, racist, offensive or inappropriate comments.
2. Causes harm to minors.
3. It interferes with the privacy and individual and social rights of other users.
4. Advertises products or services or websites.
5. Contains personal information (address, phone, etc.).