More than 100 cold-stunned turtles rescued in North Carolina

Over 100 cold-stunned turtles were discovered stranded on a North Carolina beach this past week, prompting an urgent rescue operation amid freezing temperatures. Despite the valiant efforts, only 36 of the rescued turtles managed to survive, as revealed by the N.C. State University Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, which actively participated in the rescue mission and subsequently transported the turtles to an aquarium and rehabilitation center.

Dire Condition of Cold-Stunned Turtles

The distressing situation unfolded earlier this month, when numerous cold-stunned turtles were also transported to rehabilitation centers from the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The NC State University Center for Marine Sciences and Technology took in 109 cold-stunned sea turtles from Cape Lookout. The National Park provided insight into the dire condition of the cold-stunned turtles in a Facebook post, indicating that when turtles are affected, they lose the ability to swim or eat due to the drastic drop in their body temperature, which is primarily regulated by the water temperature. Consequently, during the fall and winter months, the turtles become lethargic and hypothermic, often getting washed ashore onto Cape Lookout due to the fluctuating winds and tides. The park urged visitors to promptly report any stranded turtles they come across, emphasizing the need to refrain from returning them to the water. Instead, they advised contacting the NC Sea Turtle Standing Network Hotline with the geographical coordinates of the sighting.

Rehabilitation Efforts and Support

Following the rescue operations, more than 60 of the stranded turtles were transported to The North Carolina Aquarium after enduring several cold-stunning events, where they were unable to swim due to a hypothermia-like response. The aquarium's Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (STAR) Center is currently providing care for the turtles, which encompass green, Kemp's ridley, and loggerhead varieties. In a separate effort, the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center took in over 50 turtles, releasing nine and currently caring for 103 as of the most recent update. The rehabilitation center has issued a plea for assistance in acquiring supplies such as syringes to aid in providing the turtles with necessary fluids, as well as eye lube to keep their eyes moist while they are in low water or on wet towels until they can swim.

Importance of Ongoing Support

The coordinated rescue and rehabilitation efforts for these cold-stunned turtles underscore the critical need for ongoing support and assistance in safeguarding the well-being of these vulnerable creatures.