![]() Hibernate, or at least become almost totally inactive as they hide out under the layers of ice on bodies of water. However, in a region where winters tend to be long and harsh, it would not be uncommon to see a snapping turtle hibernate for such a period of time. In areas where winters are not harsh and relatively short, a snapping turtle may not hibernate, as they are considerably tolerant of the cold weather. Being able to take in oxygen through specialized tissues located near their rear end isn’t a trait that many animals can brag about having.įeel free to check out another article we wrote on turtles: What do baby turtles eat? Do Snapping turtles hibernate?ĭepending on what region the snapping turtle lives in, they may not hibernate, or they may become dormant for up to 5-6 months. Turtles maintain adequate energy levels through remarkable means. Wild turtles that live in areas that experience long, cold winters will take the necessary steps to hibernate and simultaneously keep energy levels up. They’ve survived on this planet since the time of the dinosaurs, so that definitely says something about their survival skills. Turtles are undeniably unique and adaptable creatures. The ones who do not have turtles who have adapted well to their consistent indoor climate and do not feel the need to hibernate. ![]() Some turtle owners will report their turtles showing behaviors of going into hibernation in the winter while others do not. They likely would not survive if they were let outside during the winter for any reason. This is because they are so used to the regulated temperatures of their indoor environment. On the other hand, domesticated land turtles such as box turtles, who are often kept as pets indoors, have a harder time with hibernation. Sometimes you might be able to spot a snapper or a painted turtle swimming around under the ice. These two breeds of turtle, among many other breeds, will spend the cold months submerged under the ice of frozen ponds and lakes where the water is relatively warmer. Therefore, they have less of a need to hibernate.ĭuring the winter, snapping turtle hibernation and painted turtle hibernation both take place underwater. Or, certain breeds are native to certain areas of the world where climates aren’t so harsh in the wintertime. For instance, some are more tolerant of colder weather than others. With there being so many different breeds of turtles, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that some have different hibernation habits that others. Do Different Breeds of Turtles Hibernate Differently? ![]() Cloacal respiration is not optimal but, it is enough to give turtles the energy to survive the winter underwater. A turtle is capable of taking in the oxygen from the water through these membranes or tissues and they are able to use it the same way as they might have if they inhaled the air above the water. All living beings who breathe oxygen transport it throughout their body in their blood. Instead, the tissues of this area of their bodies are highly vascular and semipermeable to oxygen molecules specifically. Obviously, turtles cannot inhale oxygen in normal methods while submerged underwater. Turtles are capable of “ cloacal respiration ”, which simply put, is having the ability to “breathe from one’s butt”. How do they remain underwater for months at a time without breathing, you might be wondering? This is possible because of the previously mentioned unique characteristic that turtles have. This process usually begins around September so that they can officially hunker down underwater by October. When they sense the winter weather rolling in, turtles begin looking for the ideal place to spend their time hibernating for the next few months. Turtles are one of the very few species that have the unique survival abilities that they do. ![]() The unique biological mechanisms that turtles possess that help them to hibernate and survive the cold winters are rather impressive.
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