When temperatures drop below freezing, crawfish have some clever ways to ride out the cold. These little freshwater crustaceans are tough, but they don’t just sit out in the open when it’s freezing—they take action to protect themselves.

Crawfish are cold-blooded, meaning their body temperature matches their surroundings. So when it gets chilly, they slow down to save energy. Most crawfish dig deep burrows into muddy riverbanks, lakebeds, or swampy areas. These burrows can go a few feet underground, where it stays warmer than the freezing surface. The mud acts like a natural blanket, keeping the cold out and helping crawfish survive the winter.

Sometimes, they even seal up the entrances to their burrows with mud to keep the warmth inside. This little trick not only blocks out the cold but also keeps predators from snooping around while they’re lying low.

If digging isn’t an option, crawfish head to the deepest parts of ponds or streams. Water at the bottom stays more stable and doesn’t freeze as easily. In these spots, they basically chill out—literally. Their bodies slow down, and they go into a kind of dormancy, just waiting for warmer days.

Although crawfish are built to handle cold weather, extreme or prolonged freezes can still be a challenge for them. But thanks to their natural survival skills, most make it through the winter just fine. Once things thaw out, they’re back to their usual business, scuttling around and doing their part in the ecosystem.

So, the next time you’re bundled up during a freeze, remember: crawfish are cozy too, tucked away in their muddy little shelters waiting for spring.