Where do SC alligators go in the winter? Turns out not far at all
As the temperatures start to dip, South Carolina alligators often seem to disappear, but they’re not far.
In fact, the alligators don’t actually go anywhere.
While many of these modern dinosaurs have been seen out and about recently, it won’t be much longer until they take their winter vacation.
So, where do alligators go?
When temperatures begin to drop, alligators can no longer receive the heat they need from their environments.
Once it gets below 70 degrees, alligators go through what is referred to as brumation, where they burrow underground in mudholes they dig with their tails to escape the cold.
These holes, sometimes called “gator holes,” can be up to 65 feet long.
Brumation is a state where alligators burrow underground for warmth and protection, but do not go into a deep sleep like hibernation, according to the South Carolina Aquarium. They simply enter a dormant-like state.
But when do they come back?
Brumation lasts four to five months, between November and early March.
However, it’s not uncommon to see an alligator out and about during the colder months, as these reptiles will often emerge on warm days to absorb what heat they can from the sun. They will also continue to drink water to avoid dehydration.
If icy or snowy conditions happen to hit the Palmetto State, like last winter, alligators will often break through the ice or stick their noses out to get fresh air.
After that, they burrow back to their brumation homes and wait for the warmer weather to creep back in like normal.
While the brumation period can extend until March, it has been known for alligators to become active sooner, or once the weather gets above 70 degrees again.
Peak temperatures for alligator activity are between 82 and 92 degrees, so if temperatures rise during the winter months, don’t be surprised if you see these reptiles roaming around sooner than expected.
