Mass Deaths of sea turtles in North Carolina due to cold temperatures

According to officials, dozens of sea turtles have died due to being stunned by cold temperatures along the North Carolina coast. The North Carolina State University Center for Marine Sciences and Technology took in 109 cold-stunned sea turtles from Cape Lookout, but sadly only 36 survived.

Treatment and Rehabilitation

After receiving treatment, the surviving turtles will continue their rehabilitation at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores and the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Topsail before being released back into the wild.

Discoveries and Efforts

Additionally, more than 100 cold-stunned sea turtles were discovered along the shoreline between Bodie Island and Ocracoke. Despite efforts to rehabilitate the turtles, approximately 24 have died.

Challenges Faced by Sea Turtles

The cold temperatures have left the reptiles lethargic, making it difficult for them to lift their heads above water to breathe. The wind carries the turtles to the shorelines, where they are monitored by volunteers and seashore biologists.