Brumation is a bit like hibernation, but warm-blooded animals hibernate while reptiles and amphibians brumate. Somewhat different. Our box turtles that we’re so familiar with dig burrows in soft soil in late autumn as the weather cools.
They often return to the same location year after year, often to a site that is covered with leaf litter. Good for holding moisture in the soil, preventing the turtle from dehydrating. The covering of leaf litter also helps prevent the soil from freezing. BUT if the turtle does freeze it can survive for a just couple days. I hope there’s a thick layer of leaf litter.
Unlike an animal that hibernates, a box turtle doesn’t sleep but is instead in a state of dormancy during its brumation. Some of its bodily functions shut down until spring as the soil surrounding it finally warms. Right now with snow still on the ground, I think it’ll still be a while till we see the box turtles again.