Are you accidentally harming your pet turtle? A viral video is shaking up the way we think about turtle care, and it’s leaving millions of viewers in awe—and a bit shocked. Burying your turtle for the winter might seem like a natural solution, but one self-proclaimed turtle expert is here to tell you why it’s a dangerous mistake.
In a TikTok video that’s garnered over 1.7 million views, Dan (@dantheturtleman) reacts to a creator who buries her box turtles in her backyard for the winter. With a mix of sarcasm and genuine concern, Dan declares, ‘It’s turtle day! Time for my yearly crash out!’ before stepping into his own turtle sanctuary—a specially designed room in his backyard. ‘This is a horrible idea,’ he says, addressing the practice of burying turtles. ‘Eastern box turtles naturally bury themselves when winter comes, but forcing them underground on your schedule can be harmful.’
But here’s where it gets controversial: While burying turtles might seem like a way to mimic their natural behavior, Dan argues that it strips them of their agency. ‘When you bury them, you don’t give them a choice,’ he explains. ‘You’re forcing them into and out of brumation—a hibernation-like state—whether they’re ready or not.’ This, he warns, can have serious health consequences for the turtles.
So, what’s the safer alternative? Dan advocates for a method he calls ‘buffered brumation.’ Instead of burying turtles outdoors, he lowers the temperature in their enclosure to mimic winter conditions and provides them with a tub of dirt. This allows the turtles to burrow on their own terms, ensuring they enter and exit brumation naturally.
The video has sparked a wave of reactions, even from those who don’t own turtles. One viewer joked, ‘I know nothing about turtles, but I’m hooked.’ Another commented, ‘Your passion alone made me trust you before I even saw the turtle shed.’ Meanwhile, turtle owners shared their own experiences, like one whose box turtle spends the winter in a closet, nestled in a pair of slippers. ‘When he emerges, we know it’s spring,’ they wrote.
And this is the part most people miss: Brumation isn’t just about staying warm—it’s about respecting the turtle’s natural instincts. Forcing them into an unnatural cycle can disrupt their metabolism and immune system, potentially shortening their lifespan. So, before you grab that shovel, consider Dan’s advice: let your turtle take the lead.
What do you think? Is burying turtles a harmless tradition or a risky practice? Let us know in the comments—and if you’re a turtle owner, how do you handle brumation? The debate is just beginning, and your perspective could change the way we care for these fascinating creatures.
