Nearly 3,500 cold-stunned sea turtles have been rescued so far this winter – a state record. Very cold weather has a paralyzing effect on these turtles, causing them to wash up on shore or float helplessly, becoming easy prey.
Since all 5 species of sea turtles found in Texas are federally listed as endangered or threatened, and we don't want to lose any of them. That's why a team of Texas Game Wardens, partner organizations, Coastal Fisheries staff and volunteers spent days pulling cold-stunned turtles from the icy water, picking them up off the beach and transporting them to shelters. Once it warmed up, the team released the turtles back into the Gulf.
Sea turtles can get stranded any time of year. If you see one, please call 1-866-TURTLE-5 to report it. To see more images of turtle rescues, visit the Texas Game Warden Twitter and Facebook.
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