A sudden shift in conditions has experts watching the Texas coast closely. 🐢
GALVESTON, Texas — Sea turtles along the upper Texas coast could be at risk of being cold-stunned this Sunday and Monday as water temperatures drop suddenly, according to an alert from the Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research. Officials warn that cold-stunned turtles may be found in shallow back bays and are urging the public to report sightings immediately.
Sea turtles are ectothermic, meaning they rely on their surrounding environment to regulate body temperature. When water temperatures fall quickly, especially in shallow bays, turtles can become cold-stunned. In this state, they lose the ability to swim and eat, leaving them vulnerable to boat strikes, predators and death.
The Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research is the permitted lead organization responding to cold-stunned sea turtles along the upper Texas coast, covering areas from the Louisiana border to East Matagorda. The organization says it is prepared to assist as conditions develop over the next several days.
Anyone who encounters a cold-stunned sea turtle is asked to call 1-866-TURTLE-5. The hotline is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round by the Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research.
The organization thanked the public for helping protect threatened and endangered sea turtle species during periods of extreme cold.
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