Current:Home > NewsMore than 100 cold-stunned turtles rescued after washing ashore frozen in North Carolina-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
More than 100 cold-stunned turtles rescued after washing ashore frozen in North Carolina
View Date:2024-12-23 19:07:39
Researchers found 109 cold-stunned turtles on a beach in North Carolina this week in an effort to rescue them from freezing temperatures.
Of the turtles rescued this week, just 36 survived, according to the N.C. State University Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, which helped rescue the turtles and brought them to an aquarium and rehab center.
Earlier this month, research teams on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore transported even more cold-stunned turtles to rehab centers.
In a post on Facebook, the National Park explained that when turtles are cold-stunned, they can't swim or eat. Their body temperature is largely regulated by the temperature of the water, so during the fall and winter, when the Gulf Stream makes the temperature drop, they can become lethargic and hypothermic.
They can be pushed ashore onto Cape Lookout by winds and tides, the park said, urging visitors to report any turtles they see on the shore.
"Turtles can appear lifeless but are often still alive," the post reads. "Do not try to put it back in the water. Instead, try to find your geographical coordinates and call the NC Sea Turtle Standing Network Hotline."
More than 60 of the turtles were brought to The North Carolina Aquarium after several cold-stunning events. They were unable to swim due to a hypothermia-like response.
The aquarium's Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation — or STAR Center — is caring for the turtles, which are of the green, Kemp's ridley and loggerhead varieties. The program also helps transport turtles from as far as Boston to rehab facilities.
First, they slowly warm turtles to their optimal body temperature. They may also give them medicine and treat injuries. When the turtles can swim and exhibit normal behavior, they are cleared by a veterinarian to return to wildlife.
The turtles are then tagged with a microchip and released into temperatures as close to 70 degrees as possible.
Some turtles were brought to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. After taking in more than 50 and releasing nine, the rehab center still has 103 as of Wednesday. The center is asking for help in buying supplies like syringes to help give the turtles fluids.
"Until they are able to swim, turtles are in low water or on wet towels so they need eye lube to help keep their eyes moist," the center explained on Facebook.
Caitlin O'KaneCaitlin O'Kane is a New York City journalist who works on the CBS News social media team as a senior manager of content and production. She writes about a variety of topics and produces "The Uplift," CBS News' streaming show that focuses on good news.
veryGood! (42)
Related
- Minnesota man is free after 16 years in prison for murder that prosecutors say he didn’t commit
- 2 missiles fired from Yemen in the direction of U.S. ship, officials say
- Dolly Parton's Sister Slams Critics of Singer's Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Outfit
- Pope punishes leading critic Cardinal Burke in second action against conservative American prelates
- Where you retire could affect your tax bill. Here's how.
- Body of man reported missing Nov. 1 found in ventilation system of Michigan college building
- 'Family Switch' 2023 film: Cast, trailer and where to watch
- Tornadoes forecast in the Black Sea region as storm reportedly impacts Russian military operations
- Get Your Home Holiday-Ready & Decluttered With These Storage Solutions Starting at $14
- Purdue is new No. 1 as top of USA TODAY Sports men's basketball poll gets reshuffled
Ranking
- Mike Williams Instagram post: Steelers' WR shades Aaron Rodgers 'red line' comments
- Massive crocodile sighting: Watch 14-foot 'Croczilla' in Florida Everglades
- 2 men, 1 woman dead after shooting at NJ residence, authorities say
- Sierra Leone’s leader says most behind the weekend attacks are arrested, but few details are given
- Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia Explains Why She’s Not Removing Tattoo of Ex Zach Bryan’s Lyrics
- Antisemitic incidents in Germany rose by 320% after Hamas attacked Israel, a monitoring group says
- When is the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting? Time, channel, everything to know
- What is Young Thug being charged with? What to know as rapper's trial begin
Recommendation
-
Can I take on 2 separate jobs in the same company? Ask HR
-
13 Sierra Leone military officers are under arrest for trying to stage a coup, a minister says
-
'Family Switch' 2023 film: Cast, trailer and where to watch
-
John Mulaney Says He “Really Identified” With Late Matthew Perry’s Addiction Journey
-
When does Spirit Christmas open? What to know about Spirit Halloween’s new holiday venture
-
Germany is having a budget crisis. With the economy struggling, it’s not the best time
-
When is the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting? Time, channel, everything to know
-
Climate funding is in short supply. So some want to rework the financial system