I went to the pond last Saturday morning for a look-see as it has been too cold to want to venture up there recently, only to find 3 snapping turtles visible through the ice. They were alive, but very sluggish. The ice was about 8 inches thick and clear. There is no way for them to get to the surface to get air and the pond has been frozen over for about 2 weeks. Man, those things are hardy.
I can only assume that they have come close to the ice so that their metabolism will slow way down compared to being on the bottom where the temps are likely around 50 degrees F with no food or oxygen. My pond has no fish in it yet, but they must be living off the fallen FHM's and tadpoles. BUT, with no air to breath...they are amazing!
