SUBMARINE TORTOISES

As the days of Summer have started into Fall, the cooler temperatures & longer night hours signal to the tortoises in their outdoor compound, the need to locate areas where they can find the ability to somewhat regulate the temperatures around them.  Remember: They are reptiles & cold blooded.  They can not increase or decrease their own body temperature. Their are dependent on their environment for warmth & cold.

The photo provided shows two BLACK MOUNTAIN TORTOISES digging down into a large pile of dried bamboo leaves.  When finished, they will be completely covered with leaves & will utilize the leaves -- as well as warmth from the earth -- to maintain a comfortable temperature for the night.  Their movement will be almost none existent during the night & their movement will not return until the warmth of the morning sun & rising temperatures provide the necessary "heat" to  re-charge their body functions.

It will not be too many more days & all the tortoises -- I have a total of six -- will have to be relocated to their indoor, Winter quarters, not to return outside until the warm temperatures of Spring.