Alligators are freezing in the US right now – this is how they survive. Insects can be so sneaky

In the southeastern United States, where American alligators are found, winter has begun and the waters are icy. And with them the animals. But this isn’t a big problem for the reptiles, as videos on social media show:

The videos from the ‘Swamp Park’ in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina and the ‘Gator Country’ in Beaumont, Texas show the alligators motionless – apparently dead – stuck in the frozen water. In fact, they are still alive.

Reptiles are called “winter torpor.”

Alligators are reptiles and therefore – unlike mammals and humans – cold-blooded animals. Their body temperature depends on the outside temperature. To warm up, they sunbathe or exercise their muscles. They need to save energy in the prolonged winter cold. Alligators fall into what is known as reptile hibernation, during which their hearts beat only about three times per minute. Usually during this phase they are in a small cave or pit out of the water, often near the coast. As the current videos from the US show, some animals can also be frozen. They ensure that they can continue to breathe by breaking their nose through the ice layer. The rest of their body remains stiff and motionless, even their eyes are closed. (lso)

More reptile videos:

“See You Later, Alligator” – American police officers crush a 10-foot lizard

Snake catchers struggle with record-breaking python in Florida

Probably the cutest turtle video you will ever see