Hiker Stunned When He Spots Hibernating Snapping Turtle Frozen Solid In Pond

In some areas of the country, shallow ponds are already freezing over. This led one family to discover hibernating snapping turtles. The pond water is clear, allowing the bottom to be visible. Two snapping turtles are visible in the hibernation state known as brumation.

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Snapping turtles cannot retreat fully into their shells like most turtles and tortoises. When the weather gets cold, their bodies enter a semi-dormant state. This slowed metabolism allows them to survive, barely moving, while living off the fat stored over the warmer months. This state is known as brumation.

Hikers walking over a clear frozen pond will be able to see the turtles’ shapes. The hibernating turtles will remain in this state until outside temperatures rise enough to melt the frozen water.

We explored brumation previously when alligators in North Carolina were sticking their snouts out of frozen ponds. Like turtles, alligators use this modified hibernating state during cold weather. Depending on the location, turtles may stay in the brumation state from mid-October through April or May each year. The brumation period may be much shorter in warmer climates or occur as several brief periods during extreme cold snaps.

Many types of cold-blooded animals enter a brumation state. This state is often invisible to humans because most reptiles and amphibians seek secluded, well-hidden areas. Snakes and lizards hide under forest vegetation, rocks, and unseen crevices. Most aquatic animals burrow into the soft bottoms of ponds and lakes.

Seeing footage like this is always amazing. It gives us a look at the things we usually don’t see. Kudos to these hikers for this incredible frozen underwater discovery and for sharing it with us.

Please share if you found these hibernating turtles interesting.

You can find the source of this story’s featured image here.