Chilly Winter Waters Stun North Carolina Turtles

Featured Image Credit: cvm.ncsu.edu
By: Sarah Sharkey

At the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, there has been an increase in sea turtles in need of treatment. The aquarium officials are blaming this big spike on the recent drop in temperatures along North Carolina shores. The aquarium has admitted 43 sea turtles into its STAR (Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation) Center so far this season.

How does the cold affect these turtles? If a sea turtle has been impacted by cold-stunning it will likely have symptoms similar to hypothermia. A cold stunned sea turtle is often seen stranded on the beach.

Image Credit: NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island

Why are so many turtles being affected? These cold stunning events happen when the water cools off rapidly, not giving the turtles enough time to migrate to warmer waters. Usually sea turtles feel the gradual cooling of the water and head towards the Gulf Stream for some protective warmth.

Luckily, these turtles will be taken care of by the aquarium. Although the aquarium does not plan on holding them in tanks for long. The team will just keep the turtles and help to rehabilitate them until they are able to swim again. It should not take toolong to get these turtles back on their fins.

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