Fascinating Video of Alligator Stuck in Frozen Texas Pond Has Everyone Captivated
Everyone has been hit by the cold it seems! And by everyone, we mean everyone. Including an alligator in Beaumont, Texas who was frozen alive while submerged underwater. Miraculously, the 'gator has managed to keep itself alive. And video of the animal underwater has people online totally stunned.
While snow has plundered most of the country, Texas has been facing its own inclement weather.
In a clip from CBS News, it shows the alligator paralyzed in the ice. There was only one part of its body that managed to make it up above water.
"It used its snout to create a hole in the ice so it could breathe," the video's text overlay reads. The 'gators heart rate was beating at a slow three beats per minute too!
According to the news outlet, the temperatures saw no greater highs than in the 40s that week. The video, which was also shared on the Ouachita National Forest's Facebook page, really has impressed so many people. But for those of you who are worried about the gator, a statement from Robert Bastarache, Oklahoma Ranger District Wildlife Biologist, should put your fears to rest.
"These pictures show how the gators that are not within brumation dens but rather out in the open water have adapted to these icing events," he said. "As long as they can keep their nostrils above water level, they should survive. You can now rest comfortably!"
What Is the Process of Brumation?
Alligators are coldblooded and rely on their environment for temperature regulation. Unlike mammals, alligators are reptiles so they can't hibernate during the cold whether. Brumation is a period of dormancy where physiological processes decelerate because of the cold temperature.
A big difference between the two, mammals often sleep through long periods of time and they don't eat or drink. On the opposite side of the spectrum, brumation reptiles don't totally fall sleep and have periods of activity. Animals in brumation don't eat, but will drink to avoid dehydration. In alligators, their metabolic rate slows down and they become lethargic.
In total, brumation is a period that only lasts 4 to 5 months. It starts in November and ends in late February. On days when it's colder, alligators will often create mud holes for warmth. On warmer days, alligators will come out of the water to take in the sun.
People online were pretty much astounded by the frozen 'gators. "Gators will outlive us all in the ice age that is sure to come," wrote one person. "And you see why nature attacks y’all humans. Y’all just can’t leave nature alone," someone else joked. "It can breathe … it’s good till spring," a third person teased.
Yep, have no fear. This little guy is totally safe.
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