Over 500 Sea Turtles Rescued in Florida Due to Cold-Stun Event

Cold-Stunned Sea Turtles in Florida

• ❄️ FWC reports the rescue of over 500 cold-stunned sea turtles across Florida in recent days due to cold weather.
• 🌡️ When water temperatures drop below 50°F, sea turtles can become cold-stunned, experiencing hypothermia, ceasing to swim and eat, and often washing ashore.

Rescue Efforts and Rehabilitation

• 🏥 The Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) has received 20 sea turtles since Sunday, an unusual number attributed to the cold snap.
• 🌊 High winds also contributed to turtles washing ashore, as seen with a rescue on Sunset Beach.
• 🚑 A young sea turtle found on Sunset Beach was initially mistaken for debris but was found alive, albeit lethargic due to the cold.

What to Do If You Find a Cold-Stunned Turtle

• 🛡️ If you find a sea turtle in distress, protect it from the wind and ensure it does not wash away.
• 📞 Immediately contact the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for assistance.
• 🩺 Rescued turtles are slowly warmed, given fluids, and monitored for swimming ability and undergo blood tests before release.
• ⚠️ The body temperature of one rescued turtle was recorded at 45°F upon arrival at CMA.