Wildlife, Fish and Marine Life Newsletter

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 12/03/2019 03:21 PM EST
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
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Wildlife, Fish, and Marine Life Newsletter

Report Cold-Stunned Sea Turtles to NYS Stranding Hotline

cold-stunned sea turtle on beachFour species of sea turtles can often be found in New York’s marine waters—green, loggerhead, leatherback, and Kemp’s Ridley—all of which are threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act.

Around this time of year, sea turtles begin to leave the New York area and migrate south. In recent years, they've been staying here longer, which could be due to warmer annual temperatures as a result of climate change. As temperatures start dropping dramatically, turtles may experience a sudden change in water temperature. This can cause them to become cold stunned, a hypothermic condition that results in a lethargic state.

If you see a sea turtle on the beach, please immediately call the New York State Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Hotline (24-hours) at 631-369-9829 and provide detailed information about the location (include GPS coordinates, if possible) and condition of the animal. It’s extremely important that you do not approach or handle the animal, as they can be further stressed. Cold-stunned sea turtles need professional care and rehabilitation from trained responders. The Atlantic Marine Conservation Society and New York Marine Rescue Center work in partnership to monitor the stranding hotline and carry out appropriate response plans.

Registration is Open for 2020 Winter Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) Workshop

woman on ice holding fish with dogDEC is holding the winter 2020 BOW workshop on February 7-9, 2020 at Allegany State Park—cost is $240. Courses include: snowshoeing, cross country skiing, fat tire biking, winter survival, ice fishing, K-9 first aid, food preservation, wild game cooking, and more!

Registration is open through December 3rd, and will be determined via lottery. Limited spaces are available. Registrations must be postmarked by December 3, 2019 to be entered in the lottery. You will be notified if your registration was chosen. If your envelope is not chosen, you will have the choice to be placed on a waiting list or have your registration and payment destroyed.

Visit our website for more information and to register.