Urban Rivers

He (turtle) has risen (out of brumation)! 🤩

During the chilly winter months, our local freshwater turtles brumate - a process similar to hibernation. They “breathe” through their highly-vascular cloacas (if you don’t know what a cloaca is, just Google it), and slow their metabolism to a tiny fraction of its summer levels. The calcium in their shells even helps protect their bodies against the lactic acid buildup that results from their extremely low-oxygen conditions!

Turtles might emerge from brumation temporarily to sunbathe during especially warm winter and spring days, but you can expect to start seeing them somewhat regularly around this time of year. Thank you, dear turtles, for your long-awaited return! 🐢🙏🏼