Alligators in Brumation- Rated Red at Shallotte River Swamp Park.

Awe- bless their hearts. I didn't know they did this. They are so vulnerable stuck in brumation.
Brumation is an example of dormancy in reptiles that is similar to hibernation. It differs from hibernation in the metabolic processes involved.

Reptiles generally begin brumation in late autumn (more specific times depend on the species). They often wake up to drink water and return to "sleep". They can go for months without food. Reptiles may eat more than usual before the brumation time but eat less or refuse food as the temperature drops. However, they do need to drink water.

The brumation period is anywhere from one to eight months depending on the air temperature and the size, age, and health of the reptile. During the first year of life, many small reptiles do not fully brumate, but rather slow down and eat less often.

Brumation is triggered by lack of heat and the decrease in the hours of daylight in winter, similar to hibernation.
Read more here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dormancy

Video mirrored, with thanks, from Rated Red- Original here:
https://www.facebook.com/realratedred/videos/1688721961166060/?hc_ref=ARSeNdW2Dg7_7WAsdlasTbEh026mqrpITZhOzOcP67s2qkHpHuHBM0iG__RDByVKf74&pnref=story