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Alligators in Oklahoma turn into 'popsicles' sticking out of the frozen water

#1
C C Offline
https://www.livescience.com/snorkeling-a...ahoma.html

EXCERPTS: Oklahomans came face-to-face with popsicle-like alligators — reptiles whose snouts were sticking straight out of the icy water [...] But why were these alligators "snorkeling" in such cold weather? Why weren't they sunning on the banks or hiding in their burrows?

[...] the alligator's weird snorkeling behavior, it's completely normal, Donnell told Live Science. "Whenever it ices over, this is a natural response [seen in alligators]," she said. "Since the water they were in froze over, they had to create a 'snorkel,' so they tipped their nose out of the water to keep some ice-free water, so they're still able to breathe."

Alligators are cold-blooded, or ectothermic creatures, which means their body temperature fluctuates with the ambient temperature. [...] When freezing temperatures hit their habitats, gators don't bask on the bank, as cold air can be colder than the water. Instead of hanging out in their burrows, where they might become trapped underwater if the water freezes over, alligators often swim to the surface to go snorkeling, ensuring that they'll have enough oxygen.

[...] Donnell didn't immediately know how many alligators had died during the cold snap, but those that did were young. "Most of the adults were able to survive the cold-weather event," she said... (MORE - details)

How alligators survive in frozen swamps (elsewhere, 2-3 years ago)

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/ARCZJ4Fw5H8
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#2
Zinjanthropos Online
It’s no wonder these creatures have survived for millions of years. Another reason why it’s not always safe to walk on the ice.
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