Even alligators need some time to calm down.
A video of a so-called “gartersicle” in South Carolina went viral on social media this week as temperatures across the state plummeted into the teens.
About 10 of the impressive, cold-blooded creatures, each 9 feet long, were seen frozen in ice, only their snouts sticking out, from a shallow pond in Swamp Park, an alligator sanctuary about 275 miles south of Raleigh. .
But don't worry. Although the predator appears dead, it is simply escaping the winter cold.
“We let the crocodiles do their job, sticking their noses out of the water in the evening and allowing the water around them to freeze while still allowing themselves to breathe. They're doing a great job of protecting it,” Park said. Director George Howard said: Video shared on Sunday.
“Gatorsicles” — As another employee said It can stay frozen for as long as necessary to weather the cold snap that hit South Carolina last week and lasted into the weekend.
Crocodiles instinctively know when the weather is going to turn bad and prepare by sticking their noses out of the water and suspending their bodies underwater.
When the water freezes the next day, passersby will only see a snout and very large teeth sticking out.
“Think of this like a small, dangerous snorkel,” the employee said.
The surprising evolutionary technique is known as 'bloomation' and is said to be the reptile equivalent of hibernation in mammals. south carolina aquarium.
Unlike mammals, crocodiles do not fall into a deep sleep, but after a period of activity their metabolic rate decreases and they become lethargic.
Although they do not eat during the winter, crocodiles continue to drink.
Crocodiles shake off their sleep on warm winter days and return to their favorite pastime: sunbathing.
This phenomenon is not limited to South Carolina, but is true in any region frequented by alligators due to cooler temperatures.
Even in Texas, which experienced snowfall last week, a significant number of gatosicles are occurring in the waters.
“We stand together, but this is what American alligators do” Eddie Hanhart he said on TikTok.
“He knew it was going to freeze last night, so what he did was he went and found a comfortable place.”
