'Frozen' alligators still alive, learn more about brumation

It's not every day that you see alligators frozen in ice, especially along the typically mild North Carolina coastline. However, these alligators aren't in trouble, they are in a state called brumation.

Alligators are often found throughout the Southeast. In fact, the American alligator can be found as far north as North Carolina and as far west as Texas. While these cold-blooded animals tend to thrive in the often warm and humid South, they do something very interesting when powerful cold snaps push into the region.

The video above was taken by George Howard at the Swamp Park Outdoor Adventure Center in Ocean Isle Beach, N.C., on Jan. 21, and shows alligators suspended in ice with their snouts sticking out. The Center, which cares for rescued alligators, was experiencing cold arctic air, strong enough to freeze the ponds where the alligators are kept. Our TemperatureRadar shows this rapid drop in temperatures. The cooler shades (blue, purple, and white) indicate frigid temperatures.

While the images may be alarming, this is a natural process called brumation. Brumation is similar to hibernation and is a process certain cold-blooded animals, particularly reptiles and amphibians, undergo in response to cold temperatures. During brumation, alligators reduce their activity levels, slow down their metabolic processes, and enter a state of dormancy. Alligators also push their snouts above the ice so they can continue to breathe while in this state.

Once temperatures warm up and the ice melts, these alligators come to life once again. However, they are often a little sluggish for a day or two.