How Alligators 'Frozen Solid' Under Swamp Ice in North Carolina Breathe

A recent video showing how alligators breathe underwater in freezing winter temperatures has quickly gone viral, leaving viewers both shocked and amazed.

TikTok user @2guysandsomeland, an employee of the Shallotte River Swamp Park in North Carolina, filmed his "swamp puppies" in a January 21 TikTok video. These alligators were submerged under the "frozen solid" ice swamp and yet, they were still breathing.

The employee went on to explain the phenomenon of how these alligators are still able to breathe, which is known as brumation. It's like a reptile's version of hibernation, or as the employee said in the video: "They're taking a break from being sassy and just conserving energy."

During brumation, alligators will shut down and go dormant to conserve energy. However, they tilt their heads up ever so slightly out of the frozen water so they are still able to breathe. They are even able to hold their breath for up to 24 hours during brumation.

The gators look like icicles frozen in time and for once, they do not look intimidating. That is probably why this employee took a once-in-a-lifetime chance to touch the "danger snorkels" of the swamp puppies since they would not be able to react. But he did warn users to not try it at home. The alligators can break through the ice after all, he mentioned in a follow-up video.

Between the way alligators survive in the winter and the fact that this employee made these creatures truly look like swamp puppies, it's no wonder the clip quickly racked in over 15 million views and 1.8 million likes. Viewers have been speechless.

One user said: "I was today years old when I found out that alligators brumate."

"Dude, if I had the opportunity to ethically boop a swamp puppy like that, I would," added another.

Newsweek reached out to @2guysandsomeland via TikTok for additional information.

Alligators in the United States are going through brumation as winter temperatures continue to freeze water sources across the country.

Last week, Newsweek reported alligators at a Texas adventure park and sanctuary were also frozen beneath the ice. A staff member shared in that video that the alligator's heart was beating three beats per minute. Alligators shut down their movement and metabolism to survive the winter season, a process that could last between four and five months.

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