Be on the lookout for cold-stunned sea turtles; Volunteers rescue more than 180 turtles in two days

As temperatures drop in the winter months, cold-stunned sea turtles begin to make an appearance, and this week’s cold spell has already resulted in dozens of sea turtles spotted on local Hatteras Island shorelines.

According to Stacey Saunders of N.E.S.T., more than 180 cold-stunned sea turtles were identified and rescued by local N.E.S.T. volunteers in the past two days, with 42 turtles rescued on Tuesday, December 3, and at least 140 turtles rescued on Wednesday, December 4.

As cold-blooded reptiles, sea turtles derive heat from their surroundings, and when they become too cold, their metabolism slows, prohibiting them from moving and migrating to warmer waters. This cold-stunned scenario can turn deadly, as once in an immobile and lethargic state, the sea turtles can have difficulty raising their heads above water to breathe, and can eventually drown.

During these events, sea turtles are also naturally blown to a local shoreline or even spotted in the shallow sound waters. Cold stunning is a condition that usually requires medical attention, as infections in the lungs, damage to organs and GI tract, eye injuries, and frostbite are all possible.

With these circumstances in mind, local volunteers from N.E.S.T. (Network for Endangered Sea Turtles) regularly monitor the Hatteras Island waters after a cold spell, looking for cold-stunned sea turtles in need of assistance.

The volunteers primarily search for stranded turtles along the soundside, covering private property in the villages and areas that are not routinely patrolled by the National Park Service. After braving the cold conditions, the volunteers meet at a staging site, where turtles are measured and labeled before hitching a ride to the STAR Center at the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island where more N.E.S.T. volunteers are waiting.

The number of sea turtles that are rescued can vary greatly from year to year. The 2023/2024 winter season was a busy one for the STAR Center and N.E.S.T. volunteers, and based on the past two days, this upcoming winter looks like it will be a challenging season as well.

With cold temperatures expected to linger through the weekend and beyond, beachgoers along the sound (and the oceanfront) are advised to keep a lookout for sea turtles over the days and weeks to come.

How You Can Help:

If you spot a sea turtle on land this time of year, please call one of the stranding hotlines with your location.

• Hatteras Island: 252-216-6892 (National Park Service, Cape Hatteras National Seashore)
• North of Oregon Inlet: 252-441-8622 N.E.S.T.

Sea turtles in North Carolina are protected by the Endangered Species Act and managed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. For more information on NEST, and to make a donation or learn about volunteer opportunities, visit http://www.nestonline.org/.