Brumation Phase Report: Fall–Winter 2025 Behavioral Patterns in Captive Yellow-Bellied Sliders and Mississippi Map Turtles

This seasonal research update summarizes late-fall and early-winter observations from an ongoing ethological study of Yellow-Bellied Sliders (Trachemys scripta scripta) and Mississippi Map Turtles (Graptemys pseudogeographica kohnii) housed in a 204-gallon semi-controlled aquatic enclosure in Idaho, USA. As temperatures declined, the subjects entered natural brumation cycles, resulting in reduced activity, decreased surfacing, and predictable appetite suppression. Key late-fall behaviors included cognitive engagement markers, self-directed hygiene, and species-specific positional preferences. Winter observations confirmed healthy brumation physiology with no indicators of respiratory distress or buoyancy issues. This update functions as a brief public-facing continuation of the long-term longitudinal study, documenting seasonal transitions and preparing for expanded behavioral monitoring in Spring 2026.