The painted turtle has a very exciting winter. It sleeps through it, with its heart beating once every five to ten minutes! The name given to reptiles who undergo the process of hibernation is called brumation.

A slow heart rate isn't all that makes this nap special. Scientists think it doesn't even breathe through its lungs during this six month sleep.

Scientists are still not completely sure on how they manage this feat, but some believe that minimal amounts of oxygen are absorbed through the skin. Minimal they say because, remember, they are buried in fairly oxygen-deprived mud. Their body also prevents a build up of lactase, an enzyme in the blood, and increased acidity in the blood.

For more information about the
Painted Turtle, head over to the:
Animal Diversity Web Site