Turtle Reflection

As a member of the class Reptilia turtles are cold blooded. They are often seen basking in the sun to help to raise their body temperatures. At this time of the year, at least here in the north, the turtles are all hibernating. When the water temperatures begin to drop in the fall the turtles will stop feeding. They survive the winter by burying themselves in the mud at the bottom of the pond or lake where they live. During this time their blood takes on an almost antifreeze quality. They will maintain a body temp of around 43 degrees and any oxygen that they get will be absorbed through their skin.