Turtle Hibernation

Many people ask,

“If turtles need to stay in water with a temperature in the late 70’s, and a basking area in the low 80’s—then how do they survive winter when they live in the wild?”

The answer:   They hibernate.  

Question:  If turtles hibernate in the winter, then why can't I just keep my turtle in cold water and let it hybernate here at home?  Why do I have to heat the tank?

Answer:   Turtles cannot remain in a constant state of hybernation all year. They do not move or eat, and barely breathe during this time.   It is not possible for a turtle to live in that state all its life.   Also, captive turtles DO NOT hibernate, as they are not exposed to changing seasons.  So if you are keeping a turtle in captivity, then yes, it must be kept in the proper living conditions. 

But during cold, snowy winter months, most aquatic turtles in the wild will hibernate.   When this happens, they go deep into a pond or river and snuggle down into some mud and leaves located at the bottom of the water.  Or on the edge of the water.  Then they allow themselves to get cold.  This causes their bodies to slow down so that they do not need to eat anymore.  Their hearts will slow down as well and start to beat only once every few minutes.  They stop breathing through their lungs.  Because their bodies are running at such a slow speed they no longer require the need for much oxygen, however they do still get some.

Turtles are able to get small amounts of oxygen during this process from the water.  The water that the turtle submerges itself in sinks in through the turtle’s specialized skin cells that are located just inside the tail opening. They breathe this way, through their tails.  

Aquatic turtles are able to stay this way for 2 to 5 months.