At Wild Florida, we’re fortunate to have sunny, warm weather most of the year. Around this time of year, temperatures begin to drop. Though residents, and even tourists, might enjoy the change of climate on Florida airboat rides, alligators have quite different opinions on the temperature drop.
American Alligators are cold-blooded animals, and their body temperature is based off the temperature of the environment surrounding them. When temperatures in Florida drop below 80 degrees Fahrenheit, alligators lose their appetite, and they stop feeding altogether when temperatures hit 73 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, which is why most alligators live in the southern part of the United States, near Wild Florida airboat rides. Due to their low body temperature from the weather, alligators’ metabolism slows down, allowing them to go without food for months.
Alligators have two options when dealing with the cold. First, alligators can excavate a den and hibernate until spring, or they can submerge themselves almost completely underwater with only their nostrils above water. This tactic is known as the “icing response”. As the surface freezes, the alligator’s upper body is trapped within the ice. However, with their nostrils above the ice, their slowing metabolism, and lower oxygen consumption, alligators can stay submerged for up to eight hours.
Luckily, there are only a few days of the year when we have freezing cold weather. So for the majority of the year, you can spot alligators on your Florida airboat rides. Book an airboat ride today or call us at 407-901-2563 for more information.
