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How Albino Alligators Thrive in Colder Weather
Here in Central Florida, the temperatures don’t drop very often. However, on the rare nights temperatures dip, albino alligators need to warm up. Our cold-blooded friends enjoy the Florida heat, so what do they do when it gets cold? The Croc Squad at Wild Florida have all the answers to how albino alligators survive in cold weather!
Peter is an expert on the Croc Squad team, and we had the pleasure of asking him questions about the two adult albino alligators – Blizzard and Snowflake – that live at Wild Florida.
What’s the biggest difference between an American alligator and an albino alligator?
It may be obvious that albino alligators are white and American alligators are a deep greenish brown color. But do you know why albino alligators are white? It’s because they’re missing melanin from their skin. Therefore, there are extra precautions when it comes to keeping these animals safe from sunburns and other natural disturbances. One of those is ensuring the sunlight doesn’t damage their eyes or skin. Their eyes are extremely sensitive to light.
Alligator at Wild Florida
How do albino alligators survive in cold weather?
Albino gators depend on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. The pool in their habitat is heated to about 70 degrees. Even on cold nights, they get to stay at a decent temperature. In the wild, alligators are found as far north as North Carolina and west into Oklahoma. Some of them do live in very frigid areas during the winter.
Wild Florida also provides infrared light which allow the alligators to lay under as long as they want, because infrared light won’t cause any type of burn to their skin.
How do wild alligators adapt to the cold?
Alligators can actually survive in freezing ice. Wild Florida’s albino alligators are extra spoiled in the heated pools. During the day, you’ll find the alligators basking in the sun on the grass near the water or lounging in the pool.
What happens to their bodies when it gets cold outside?
Like most cold-blooded animals, alligator’s bodily functions slow down when it gets colder outside (let’s call it below 55 degrees Fahrenheit). This is key to them surviving in lower temperatures. In this type of weather, these incredible animals have a reduction in their activity, as well as their digestive rate. That means they’re food intake is not nearly as much as they would eat in warmer months.
These alligators rely on behavioral thermoregulation. They move to areas with warmer temperatures to keep their bodies from becoming too cold. You’ll find them sunning themselves on the banks of land.
How much do alligators eat when it gets cold?
Sometimes, alligators may fast the entire winter! In fact, it has been observed that alligators the size of Blizzard have fasted for more than a year’s worth of time.
The hotter they are, they become a bottomless pit of food.
Do albino alligators hibernate in the winter?
No, albino alligators enter a state of decreased activity during colder months and become less active which slows their metabolism.
What does Wild Florida do to keep albino alligators comfortable during the winter months?
Wild Florida keeps Blizzard, Snowflake, and their baby, Flurry, in controlled environments to ensure their health and well-being.
Albino alligators are extremely rare, and so is this limited-time, Black Friday deal! From Nov. 28 to Dec. 1, purchase a Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari Annual Pass for only $99 + tax. This means a whole year of access to the Drive-Thru Safari and Gator Park. You’ll also receive:
- Two free guest tickets
- Animal feed at the Petting Zoo or Bird Aviary
- 10% off food and shopping
- Designated parking spaces
- Free magnet
- Monthly surprise perks!
Plus, you can ride, walk, and drive through Wild Florida all in one day.
