Science is Fun Fridays!

 

"Gatorcicles" have been seen in Texas and North Carolina.

According to experts, this behavior is called brumation, and is rarely witnessed.

Alligators rely on their environment for temperature regulation.  In brumation, their metabolic rates slow down and they become lethargic.  With their snouts through the ice, they're able to continue breathing.  They can remain in this state for 4-5 months.

Eddie Hanhart, from Gator Country Adventure Park, says the gators know when it's going to freeze.  So they find a comfy spot and wait.

This photo was shared by Swamp Park, but they also have some non-frozen gators.