Winter is hitting the northern hemisphere hard, and reports of cities struggling with ice and snow keep coming in. The harsh weather also affects animals, but alligators have a simple and effective technique to face low temperatures and the inevitable freezing of their ponds.
Alligators have survived on this planet for millions of years, overcoming some of the harshest climatic conditions known. They are a true example of resistance and efficiency, as demonstrated year after year with the arrival of winter. But how exactly do they manage to resist? What kind of natural advantage do they possess? First, alligators can reduce their metabolism for long periods without negative consequences. This is a process similar to hibernation (the technical term is 'brumation'), although there are some metabolic differences. And second, they do this:
Indeed, alligators create small holes in the ice by keeping their snouts above the water as it freezes. These two videos reached the web thanks to the staff of Shallotte River Swamp Park in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, which at the time of writing has the 'pleasant' temperature of one degree Celsius... below zero. Another notable aspect of alligators is that they can go up to 24 hours without breathing, meaning they need only a small amount of oxygen during their inactivity. Finally, they cannot eat any food while in brumation, because their reduced metabolism prevents proper digestion. In other words, food rots inside their stomachs and makes them sick.
The videos have been on YouTube for more than a week, and the alligators are already swimming without problems, but if the weather stays as cold as it has been, they will likely remain still for a few more days. In summary: alligators do not fight the ice; they 'become one' with it. Perhaps we can learn a thing or two from them.
