logo
Alligators Frozen in Place
news image
Special Stories
9 Jan 2018 6:12 PM
It’s an amazing sight to see, an alligator nose and mouth sticking through a frozen sheet of ice. The best thing about it is; that this is a natural response to cold conditions by alligators and it helps them survive freezing weather. The American Alligator like many other cold blooded reptiles, like it hot, but can survive in cold conditions.  When temperatures fall, alligators will slow activity and lose their appetite.  Even temperatures below 75° can slow down most gators who spend most of the winter in a hibernation-like state called brumation. Where alligators roam the waterways, freezing conditions and ice are rare, but when freezing circumstances present themselves the gators can still survive. Most alligators will opt. to  excavate a den and hibernate until spring but will move to where it is the warmest when needed.  This past week in Brunswick County, North Carolina, as the coldest air moved in alligators took to the water which was warmer than the air.   Once in the water, alligators will position themselves with nostrils above the surface as ice forms around them.  Some may even get stuck in the ice for days before the ice melts and they can swim free.   Alligators have persevered for thousands of years and it was reported that this one in North Carolina survive the cold and ice just fine.
All Weather News
California Snowpack - More than Double of Normal, with More Snow Ahead Tonight
California Snowpack - More than Double of Normal, with More Snow Ahead Tonight
Snowpack statewide is over double the normal,
20 Mar 2023 2:20 PM
After a Brutally Cold Weekend in the South, Relief is in Sight this Week
After a Brutally Cold Weekend in the South, Relief is in Sight this Week
What a cold weekend in the Southeast and now,
20 Mar 2023 2:10 PM
Four Corners: More Rain and Snow
Four Corners: More Rain and Snow
The system bringing rain and snow to Californ
20 Mar 2023 2:00 PM
Severe Storm Chances Return to the Plains & South Late Week
Severe Storm Chances Return to the Plains & South Late Week
A strong low-pressure system moving into Cali
20 Mar 2023 1:50 PM
Lake Effect Snowfall Wrapping Up
Lake Effect Snowfall Wrapping Up
We're wrapping up the final weekend of winter
19 Mar 2023 6:50 PM
In Florida for Vacation? Additional Rain Overnight
In Florida for Vacation? Additional Rain Overnight
Florida. The Sunshine State. Usually, that's
19 Mar 2023 6:20 PM
Snow & Much Colder Temps for Texas this Weekend
Snow & Much Colder Temps for Texas this Weekend
A storm system moving out of the 4 Corners th
18 Mar 2023 12:20 PM