Nothing to See Here… Just an Alligator Chillin’ in the Ice

The recent ‘bomb cyclone‘ across the east has left many trying to survive the cold, including southern alligators.

The cold-blooded reptiles cannot generate their own body heat, but they can regulate it by changing their environment in a system called brumation. The creatures lower their body temperature and metabolism so they can survive. This essentially allows them to be frozen in place with just their noses above the surface, according to a video posted on Facebook by Shallotte River Swamp Park in Ocean Isle Beach

While it’s hard to believe they are able to survive the icy conditions, animal experts say they are very much alive and doing okay.  Once the ice melts, they will come out of the water to sunbathe and warm up.