How Cold is Too Cold for Alligators: Knowing Their Limits

 

Alligators love warm, swampy environments. It’s why the species has thrived in states like Florida and Louisiana. So what happens when temperatures drop?

Alligators face a lot of challenges when temperatures go down. They’re ectothermic. They rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. A drop in temperature will slow them down. Some alligators might even stop eating. The American alligator is a survivor though. They have learned to withstand the cold. But how cold is too cold for alligators? This post explores how these reptiles adapt to a change in temperature.

Alligators function best in temperatures between 82°F and 92°F (28°C to 33°C). These temperatures allow them to remain active, hunt, and digest food.  As with any animal, their bodies will adjust when the temperature changes. Alligators respond to temperatures dropping below 70°F (21°C) by slowing down. They become sluggish when it’s 55°F (13°C) and lower. Their metabolism slows down and they stop eating. They’ll enter a survival state if the cold weather continues. Gators are in danger if temperatures hit 40°F (4°C).

People know Florida as the Sunshine State but its winters are cruel. So what happens to the warmth-loving gator? Do alligators hibernate in winter?  Alligators don’t enter a true state of hibernation. They undergo brumation, which is a reptilian form of dormancy. They reduce their activity level to a significant degree but don’t enter a deep sleep. Alligators stop eating and rely on stored energy to survive instead.  They also seek shelter in burrows.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Are There Badgers in Florida?

Image
  Some people get confused with the term badgers, thinking all badgers are or look the same. Honey badgers are only called badgers because of their physical resemblance to Eurasian badgers. They are not true badgers, not even closely related. Honey badgers are more related to weasels and somehow to skunks, having similar defense mechanisms. When threatened, Honey badgers can drop a stink bomb to shoo their predators away. American Badgers Back to the question, are there badgers in Florida ? The answer is a resounding yes. American badgers found in Florida are also known as New World badgers. The term New World is coined for animals that are exclusively found in the whole American continent. Sadly, American badgers are hunted because of their pelts. They are now considered as protected, or species of special concern. Unlike their Eurasian cousins who live in groups and are known as the friendliest badger species, American badgers are aggressive, generally solitary and only look for ...
Read more

How to Prepare for a Swamp Adventure

Image
  Here’s a list of what to bring for a worry-free and adventure-filled swamp tour. Poncho or Umbrella If you're on a budget, come prepared with your own ponchos or umbrellas to avoid buying one in the gift shop. It also comes in handy just in case the weather won't cooperate. Camera Bring a camera, the waterproof kind. You can also use your smartphone to take pictures, just put it in a waterproof casing. Have them fully charged and ready for a lot of picture-taking. It would be nicer to reminisce on your swamp adventure with loads of pictures to look at. Insect Repellant Spray or Lotion Mosquitos and other bugs biting tourists have never been a big issue in swamp tours. But some people are more prone to insect or bug bites than others. If you are one of them, bring an insect repellant spray or lotion with you. The mosquito population is well kept to a minimum in this area because they serve as food to other animals in the wild. Sunblock or Sunscreen Have fun without worrying a...
Read more

What Animals Are in the Salt Marsh in NC? Top 7 to Watch

Image
  History buffs know North Carolina is the birthplace of aviation. The Wright brothers cemented the state's claim to fame when they flew at Kitty Hawk. But there’s more to the state than that. North Carolina is also famous for its rich history and diverse cultural heritage. It has a vibrant music scene with roots in country and bluegrass. It’s one of the best places to go if you want to see stunning landscapes. You don’t want to miss the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains. The Old North State is also famous for its massive salt marshes. These are coastal wetlands that form where the land and sea meet. They’re also the most vibrant and critical habitats on the East Coast. Salt marshes have low-growing shrubs and salt-tolerant grasses. Their brackish waters support a wide range of wildlife. So, what animals are in the salt marsh in NC ? This post lists the top ones. The diamondback terrapin is one of the most iconic animals that live in the wetlands. This turtle got its name from the dis...
Read more