Brumating beauty

February 18, 2019

Do you ever have a hard time getting out of bed on chilly winter mornings? Bayou, the American alligator can relate! This cold-blooded beauty at Happy Hollow relies on his environment for temperature regulation.

Hibernation is a common adaptation for warm-blooded mammals, but alligators do not hibernate, they brumate. Brumation is a natural snoozy state that helps alligators conserve energy during the winter months.

What’s the difference between hibernation and brumation?

During hibernation, mammals fall into a deep sleep and do not eat or drink, but during brumation, reptiles do not fall into a deep sleep. Their metabolism rate slows down and they become lethargic. They still have periods of activity and will emerge to bask in the sun, and while they continue drinking water, they do not eat any food. Both brumation and hibernation usually last for about four to five months at a time until the weather warms up.

Bottom line: Even alligators need their beauty rest! This spring Bayou will continue his regular training and feeding sessions with caregivers. Check back to see when Bayou comes out of brumation.