Turtle Hibernating in Frozen Lake Intrigues Internet: 'What the Heck?'

A video of two snapping turtles seemingly frozen in place beneath the surface of a frozen lake has captivated viewers on TikTok. The clip posted by @livingforrural has received 2.7 million views since its posting on Monday, generating widespread intrigue about the remarkable survival strategies of these ancient reptiles. The footage begins with a person standing on the lake's icy surface, pointing out one turtle beneath the transparent sheet of frozen water. Taking a few steps further, the person highlights another turtle in a similar state, suspended motionlessly beneath the ice. The caption accompanying the post reads: "Had no idea snapping turtles hibernated like this. Had to do some research on their brumation process."

What Is Brumation?

Brumation, the term for a reptile's dormant state during cold months, is a natural survival mechanism for many species, including snapping turtles. Unlike true hibernation, which is seen in warm-blooded animals, brumation allows reptiles to significantly slow their metabolic processes while remaining somewhat reactive to their surroundings. The Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation says that "during brumation, many animals will stop eating, bury themselves, and may or may not intermittently wake to drink. This process is commonly practiced by temperate species and is necessary for reproductive health."

Ashley Navarrette, a clinical assistant professor at Texas A&M University's College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, explained the importance of brumation in a November 2021 article for the university. "Brumation plays a huge role in the regulation of hormones, both reproductive and other, within the body," she said. Navarrette further noted that depriving bromating turtle species of this critical phase can lead to increased susceptibility to illnesses and shorter lifespans.

The Risks of Brumation

While brumation is essential for many turtles, it can be risky. The Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation cautions that outdoor brumation leaves turtles vulnerable to extreme environmental conditions. If temperatures fall too low, freezing can occur, whereas temperatures that are too high can result in an increased metabolism, leading to slow starvation. Predators, including raccoons, dogs and rodents, also pose significant risks during this period. For turtles undergoing brumation, preparation is key. The foundation says that reptiles should gain adequate weight during the summer months, particularly through diets rich in vitamin A, to sustain themselves during their dormant phase. Turtles that lose more than 7 percent of their body weight during brumation may be showing signs of disease and require intervention, according to the foundation. Despite the awe inspired by the footage, experts emphasize the importance of understanding the complexities of brumation to ensure the safety and health of turtles. Navarrette said in the November 2021 article: "It is important that an owner educate themselves on the species of turtle/tortoise they have and if they are a species that undergoes brumation." The Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation warns that inexperienced caretakers should avoid attempting to facilitate brumation without professional guidance.

'What the Heck?'

The video brought amazement from TikTok users, many of whom were unaware of the brumation process. One user, @i_am_zhara_, commented, "What the heck? I thought they buried themselves in mud. Most turtles do that." Another user, thetailofdozer, said: "I always thought they went deeper to avoid actual freezing. Did not know. Thanks for sharing." Other viewers marveled at the resilience of turtles. User Porsche_Did_911 remarked: "It's no surprise these things survived millions of years." Another commenter, WhiteMenCantJump, agreed, saying, "There's a reason they been around so long." Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via TikTok. The video has not been independently verified. Do you have a travel-related video or story to share? Let us know via life@newsweek.com and your story could be featured in Newsweek.