MARYLAND-- The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is issuing a timely advisory to all visitors of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Coast, urging them to remain vigilant for signs of cold-stunned sea turtles.
Cold-stunning is a condition that can severely debilitate these marine animals, leading to hypothermia-like symptoms caused by prolonged exposure to cold water temperatures. Typically occurring during late autumn and early winter, cold-stunning becomes a significant concern as water temperatures start to drop, or when temperatures experience a rapid decline within a 24-hour period. Lethargic and unresponsive sea turtles pose not only a risk to themselves but also to boaters navigating the coastal waters. This condition can prove deadly for certain species, prompting Stranding Network members to respond to thousands of cold-stunned sea turtle incidents along the Atlantic Coast annually.
To ensure the safety and well-being of these vulnerable creatures, the Maryland DNR emphasizes that anyone encountering a lethargic, floating, debilitated, or deceased sea turtle or marine mammal in Maryland waters or stranded onshore should exercise caution by maintaining a safe distance and promptly contacting the Maryland Natural Resources Police Hotline at 800-628-9944. The hotline operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.