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Cindy Driscoll, State Fish and Wildlife Veterinarian - Oxford Laboratory
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Posted on January 11, 2013 | Permalink
Report Cold-Stunned Sea Turtles
Type: All
Region: All
Location: All
Sea turtles from the mid-Atlantic region usually migrate south in late fall. However, when feeding in shallow bays they can get “caught” in a cold-stun event if water temperatures drop rapidly. Sea turtles are cold-blooded and must rely on the external heat of warmer southern waters at this time of year. Since cold-stunned turtles are often are lethargic or motionless they can be assumed dead, but are actually in need of help quickly.
What can you do to help? Call the Natural Resources Police toll-free, 24/7 hotline number to report any sea turtles found alive or dead during winter months: 1-800-628-9944. Please provide your name, phone number, and the stranding location (along with GPS coordinates if possible). A biologist with the Maryland stranding network will return your call.
