You are here

Home » Cape Lookout National Seashore Staff Come to the Rescue of Cold-Stunned Sea Turtles

Cape Lookout National Seashore Staff Come to the Rescue of Cold-Stunned Sea Turtles

Share

Published Date

December 14, 2010

A cold snap last week stunned dozens of sea turtles in the waters of Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout national seashores. Here Cape Lookout staff help move the turtles to warmer recovery areas. NPS photo by Shad Dusseau

Another cold snap has shocked marine life in the Southeast, but so far the cold weather hasn't done damage reminiscent of last January, when more than a few sea turtles and manatees were killed and thousands rescued from the cold waters.

At Cape Canaveral National Seashore, crews last January rescued more than 2,100 sea turtles in and around the park's Mosquito Lagoon, where water temperatures dropped below 40 degrees.

Things haven't gotten that cold this winter, but it's still been cold enough that turtles have been stunned along the North Carolina coast. Most recently, crews at Cape Lookout National Seashore rescued nearly 60 sea turtles that were stunned by last week's cold snap, and other rescues were performed at Cape Hatteras National Seashore just to the north.

According to park personnel, the cold front that dipped down into Florida caused Kemps ridley, loggerhead, and green sea turtles to strand themselves on Cape Lookout shores. Members of the seashore's resource, protection, maintenance, and volunteer staffs coordinated efforts to recover and transport all 57 turtles to safety, park staff reported.

The rescued turtles, several weighing close to 80 pounds, were being turned over to North Carolina Resource Commission Sea Turtle Project to be re-warmed and evaluated for injuries. After the rehabilitation process, the turtles would be released when warmer weather allows.

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.