Have you ever spotted a turtle in your backyard and wondered where they go when winter comes? Turtles are fascinating creatures known for their longevity and adaptability, but during the colder months, they enter a state of hibernation. In this article, we’ll explore where turtles go in winter, how they survive freezing temperatures, and how you can help them through the cold months.
Where Do Turtles Go in Winter?
Turtles are cold-blooded, meaning their body temperature matches that of their surroundings. To survive the cold, they retreat into shelters where they can rest during the winter months. This period of hibernation is when their metabolism slows down dramatically, allowing them to conserve energy and survive without eating for several months.
Where Does a Turtle Hibernate?
Wild turtles choose specific locations based on their natural habitat. Here are some common places where turtles seek shelter during hibernation:
- Underground or in the ground: Turtles like Hermann’s tortoises dig burrows, typically in loose soil that is compact enough to provide insulation from the cold. These burrows can reach up to 30 cm deep.
- Under leaf piles or dense bushes: Aquatic and semi-aquatic turtles, such as the European pond turtle, prefer to hide under leaf piles or brush along the edges of water. These provide camouflage and added protection.
- At the bottom of ponds or rivers: Aquatic turtles often bury themselves at the bottom of ponds or rivers, where thick mud helps keep them submerged. They can still breathe by absorbing dissolved oxygen through their skin and cloacal membranes, as long as the water doesn’t freeze completely.
Do Turtles Eat While Hibernating?
No, turtles do not eat during hibernation. They reduce their activity to an extreme degree—sometimes up to 98%—and rely on their energy reserves to survive the cold months. This slowing down of vital functions may contribute to their longevity, which is why many turtles live over 100 years!
What Temperature Can a Turtle Tolerate?
Turtles are not particularly hardy in freezing temperatures. They need a temperature range of 5-10°C to safely hibernate. If the temperature drops below 5°C, there’s a high risk of freezing, which can be fatal. On the other hand, if it rises above 10°C, their metabolism becomes too active, and they could exhaust their energy reserves.
Can We Help Them Survive?
In France, several turtle species are protected, including the Hermann’s tortoise, which benefits from international protections under CITES and the Bern Convention. The European pond turtle, classified as “near threatened” by the IUCN, is also facing threats from habitat destruction and pollution. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these species.
What can you do to help? If you come across an area with piles of leaves or notice organized patches in the forest or your garden, it might be a turtle’s hibernation den. Avoid disturbing it, as the turtle needs this shelter. If you find a turtle in the fall, resist the urge to capture it—it’s illegal and may prevent the turtle from finding a proper place to hibernate. Instead, take a picture and let it go.
What Do Turtles Eat in the Fall?
Before hibernating, turtles need to build up reserves. During autumn, they feed mainly on plants like leaves, flowers, and fruits. Their favorite foods include:
- Dandelions
- Clover
- Lamb’s lettuce
- Endives
- Beets and celery
Fruits like strawberries, raspberries, apples, and pears are also part of their diet in small quantities. This diet helps them stockpile energy before entering hibernation.
By understanding these key aspects of turtle behavior, you can better appreciate how these resilient creatures survive and what you can do to support them through the colder months.
