Wilmington, North Carolina (WECT) – More than 30 sea turtles in our area are being treated for cold swoon, which occurs when a sudden drop in water temperature makes them lethargic and interferes with their ability to swim. .
At the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, we typically see about 20 sea turtles passed out from the cold during the winter months. The numbers are already in their 70s.
Most of the cold-swept sea turtles treated here are from the Outer Banks, but you can also find sea turtles struggling here in the Cape Fear region. In fact, the Wrightsville Beach Turtle Project helped frigid sea turtles wash up on Carolina Beach the day after Christmas. He was then transported to a rehabilitation center for help.
There has been a significant increase in the number of cold-swept turtles this year, but this is largely due to fluctuating weather and turtles being confused about when to move to warmer water.
“We had a very strong cold snap around the time of our vacation, and perhaps unusually cold weather here along the coast. It got warmer, so maybe that’s why many turtles didn’t get the cue, ‘It’s getting colder and we need to swim south,'” says Karen Beasley, Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center executive. Director Cathy Zagzebski said.
Turtles like water in the 70’s, but below that it gets too cold. If the water level exceeds 50 degrees, there is a danger that you will not be able to swim due to the cold.
What do you do when you find a turtle fainting from the cold?
If found on the beach, move the turtle to a safe place on the sand away from the water. Place the turtle on stable ground if found near a dock. As soon as your turtle is safe, call your local or state turtle patrol so they can get the help they need.
Here are the state and local numbers:
- Wildlife Resources Commission Sea Turtle Hotline: (252) 241-7367
- Wrightsville Beach Turtle Project: (833) 488-7853
- Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project : (888) 290-1065
- Oak Island Sea Turtle Conservation Program: (910) 945-8888
- Holden Beach Turtle Watch Program: (910) 754-0766
During the winter, if you see sea turtles coming ashore, remember they don’t belong there and need treatment. In summer, you will see sea turtles nesting and nesting, but in winter, there should be no sea turtles on the beach for any reason other than illness or cold. Please contact patrol.
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