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| Photo by Sam James |
Where does a snapping turtle, Chelydra serpentine, go in the winter? The short answer is: the bottom of the pond. Snapping turtles have some really interesting overwintering strategies that have helped them survive for millions of years! Being ectothermic (cold-blooded), snapping turtles body temperature matches that of their environment. By staying underwater during the winter they can avoid freezing temperatures. Obtaining oxygen is of course challenging, however they need much less oxygen due to their slowed metabolisms. While underwater, these turtles can use parts of their body that are “highly vascularized” for absorbing oxygen including their mouths and cloacas! Wow!
