Gators Frozen in Icy Swamp Use Unique Survival Technique

Alligators in North Carolina are dealing with the freezing temperatures by sticking their noses up through the ice to breathe. According to George Howard, the general manager at Shallotte River Swamp Park in Ocean Isle Beach, the gators, including the 12 rescued at the park, stick their noses up through the ice to breathe, then they hibernate. Howard said technically the American alligators’ form of hibernation is called brumation. He said they lower their body temperature and metabolism so they can survive.