How did alligators in SC handle the snow? Turns out they have a pretty chill strategy

With the snow and ice that swept across the Southeast this week, many forms of wildlife throughout South Carolina had to prepare for colder temperatures.

In the Lowcountry, alligators are permanent residents, but seemingly disappear when the weather gets chilly. So what happens to them when it snows?

In the colder months, alligators go through a period called brumation, where they burrow underground in mud holes to stay warm.

This is usually between November through March, and they return once temperatures reach above 70 degrees.

But what happens when it snows?

When alligators brumate, they typically dig mud holes underground that can be up to 65 feet long to stay warm and only drink water to stay hydrated.

However, with the snowy weather, they have to change their plans.

According to Dennis Matherly of the PeeDee Wildlife Control, in colder weather, “alligators will come and stick their noses out every 12 hours or so to get some fresh air, then burrow back into their holes.”

Matherly stated that the alligators can even break through ice if they need to get air.

After that, they burrow back to their brumation homes and wait for the warmer weather to creep back in like normal.

Peak temperatures for alligator activity are typically between 82 to 92 degrees Fahrenheit. But even if temperatures reach anywhere above 70 degrees during the winter months, it’s not abnormal to see an alligator out soaking up the sun.

Alligators are a critical species to the wildlife in South Carolina.

According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website, “alligators create trails, holes, and nests that provide habitat for birds, reptiles, and other species. During dry periods, alligator holes are often the only water source for wildlife in an area.”

Even with these oddly cold temperatures, there’s no need to worry about these reptiles. They’ll be back out and about soon enough.