Where Do the Turtles Go in Winter?

We’re Not the Only Ones Getting Ready for Cold Weather!

As people who live in the Northeast, we’re no strangers to seasonal changes: swapping those sneakers for boots, finding the gloves you tucked away last spring, turning on the heat. But did you know turtles are doing their own version of winter prep? It’s called brumation, basically the reptile equivalent of retreating to your bedroom and refusing to do anything until April. Unlike us, though, they’ll be burying themselves in little burrows, or finding a comfy place in the mud at the bottom of a pond.

What Is Brumation?

During this period, a turtle’s bodily processes like metabolism, heart rate, and respiratory rate all slow down dramatically, reducing the need for energy intake. This allows them to survive without eating or drinking for the entirety of the winter!

Where Edward the Box Turtle Goes to Stay Cozy

Eastern Box Turtles, like our friend Edward, will bury themselves just under the frost line. They look for soft soil, leaf litter, or fallen trees to create a tiny microclimate that keeps them safe all season long.

See You in the Spring, Turtle Friends!

If you’re wondering where all the turtles have gone, don’t worry! This is just how our scaly little friends handle winter. They’ll pop back out in the spring sunshine, hungry and ready for adventure!