Texas Sea Turtle Stranding Alert: What to Do When You Find One

Cold-Stunned Sea Turtles in Texas

• ⚠️ As temperatures in Texas drop, experts are warning beachgoers not to touch stranded sea turtles.
• 💡 The cold water can cause reptiles to become stunned, leaving them weak and stranded on shore.

Legal Restrictions and Rescue

• 🚫 It is illegal to move or handle stranded sea turtles.
• 🧑‍⚕️ Only licensed rescuers are permitted to assist these animals.

Protecting Endangered Species

• 🐢 Five species of sea turtles, including the endangered Kemp's Ridley, inhabit the Gulf of Mexico.

Reporting Stranded Turtles

• 📞 If you spot a stranded sea turtle, call 1866 turtle 5 to reach trained responders.
• 📣 Beachgoers are urged to call lifeguards or trained teams and avoid direct contact with the turtles.