Alligators have more than 100 bones connected by skin on their backs, called osteoderms. These bony plates act like solar panels, helping the animals absorb heat and regulate their body temperature while basking in the sun, according to wildlife experts.
As cold-blooded reptiles, alligators in Mississippi typically go dormant during fall and winter, from mid-October to mid-March. When air and water temperatures fall below 70 degrees Fahrenheit, they are unable to digest prey and often remain inactive.
During extreme winter conditions, alligators may be seen in shallow water with only their nostrils visible above the ice. These animals can survive in frozen environments for several days, but such conditions may cause health issues like pneumonia, which could be fatal in spring.
Wildlife officials remind hunters that harvest reporting is mandatory. More information can be found at the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website.
