Some Marine Wildlife Hate The Cold Weather Just As Much As You Do

Featured Image Credit: Fox 35
By Laura O’Brien

This winter has already proven to be incredibly harsh on sea life, and conservationists are doing everything they can to respond quickly and efficiently. The Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN) recorded the largest cold-stunning event that the network has ever recorded since its inception in 1980.

Off the coast of Texas alone, an estimated 2,100 green sea turtles were recorded as being cold-stunned during just the first week of January. SeaWorld Rescue teams have already assisted in over 5 times the amount of cold-related rescues that they participated in last year, as they have facilitated in the rescue 200 cold-stunned sea turtles and relocation of 14 manatees.

Image Credit: Fox 35

SeaWorld Rescue explained that the risks facing manatees and sea turtles are different, but both are very dangerous for the animals. Cold weather creates a scarcity of food for manatees, while sea turtles are stunned by the cold. When a sea turtle is stunned, they become unresponsive and defenseless.

Organizations like SeaWorld Rescue and STSSN provide crucial help for animals in need. Without the fast action of organizations like these, many animals would die. If you see a stranded sea creature, call your local stranding hotline or rescue organization so that they can send help.

Learn more from our source.