How to Help 'Cold Stunned' Sea Turtles in New York

Preparing for winter in New York State comes with a pretty long checklist, but from insulating homes to making sure the snow shovel is handy, there's one thing that is guaranteed to slip past most residents: how to care for local wildlife.

In the Hudson Valley, many animals are preparing for the cold just like their human neighbors. Some species, however, are less equipped for lower temperatures. Luckily, a marine rescue group is educating New Yorkers about "cold stunned" turtles.

NY Marine Rescue Center via Facebook

How New York State Turtles Survive in the Winter

Reptiles, including turtles, operate differently than many other animals. Since they are cold-blooded, turtles (and snakes) don't generate their own body heat, making it nearly impossible to operate normally in winter months. While many terrestrial turtles brumate (a process similar to hibernation, with some species even burying themselves in the ground), sea turtles use a different tactic.

New York Sea Turtles Vulnerable to Being Cold-Stunned

While many species of sea turtles migrate south in winter months, several factors, including rapidly changing temperatures due to climate change, can lead to some turtles being "caught" unaware in colder waters. Luckily, there are several ways for New Yorkers to help affected animals.

"Cold-Stun Season" in New York State

"Cold Stun Season Has Arrived in New York", began a recent post from the NY Marine Rescue Center (below). "This morning, [we] received our first cold stunned sea turtle patient!". They also included helpful tips for residents who believe they have found a turtle in a similar condition.

How New York Turtles Become Cold-Stunned

Sea turtles generally become cold-stunned when exposed to water temperatures below 50 degrees. It can cause them to float to the surface of the water and even get washed ashore, where they can become stranded. The rescue center's biggest piece of advice to New Yorkers who find a beached turtle? Call a professional.

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How to Help a Cold-Stunned Sea Turtle in New York State

"IMMEDIATELY call (631) 369-9829 the NYS Stranding Hotline - this is a 24-hour line and biologists will be available to help minutes after calling!", the NYMRC shared. "Do not attempt to warm the animal as this can cause even more harm!". They also shared an opportunity for residents to volunteer for "cold stun patrols". New Yorkers interested in cold stun training can view available training sessions here.

Endangered Sea Turtles Released Back into Atlantic Ocean

The Mystic Aquarium Animal Rescue Team saw another set of rehabilitated animals returned to their ocean home recently with the release of five endangered sea turtles down in North Carolina.

One loggerhead sea turtle and four Kemp’s ridley sea turtles were the aquarium's part of a 26-sea-turtle release from four different animal rescues across the Northeast. See these endangered animals as they returned to their ocean home after months of treatment for their cold-stunning damage suffered in Cape Cod Bay.

Gallery Credit: Nancy Hall