Sea turtles hate the cold as much as we do.
On Wednesday, staff from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department rescued several cold-stunned sea turtles found in Matagorda Bay, according to a Facebook post from Coastal Fisheries - Texas Parks and Wildlife. The bay is about 80 miles northeast of Corpus Christi.
With the recent chilly weather in Texas, the water temperature sometimes drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, causing the cold-blooded reptiles to become lethargic and unable to swim.
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According to the National Park Service, the sea turtles float up to the surface and leave them vulnerable to boat strikes. They also can wash ashore and become stranded. If not rescued quickly, these defenseless animals often die of shock, predation or trauma due to boat strikes.
This is a yearly occurance for federal agencies, state agencies, non-profit organizations, and beach patrolling officers who actively search and rescue the cold-stunned turtles during the winter months. The turtles are released back into the wild once rehabilitated at specially designated, temporary holding facilities.
The number of cold-stunned green sea turtles found along the South Texas coast has increased significantly in recent years due to the rise in chilly weather and in the green turtle population, according to NPS.
Although the population increases, sea turtles are considered a threatened species by both the state and the federal government.
If you find a stranded or cold-stunned sea turtle, report it by flagging down a law enforcement officer or call 1-866-TURTLE5.
Priscilla Aguirre is a general assignment reporter for MySA.com | priscilla.aguirre@express-news.net | @CillaAguirre
The Link LonkJanuary 16, 2021 at 12:31AM
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Cold-stunned sea turtles are turning up. TPWD officials rescued several this week. - San Antonio Express-News
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