FWC and partners rescue cold-stunned sea turtles

Recent cold temperatures in Florida left many cold-stunned sea turtles close to death, floating listlessly in the water. Working with staff from county, state and federal agencies as well as volunteers, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologists helped to coordinate the rescue of more than 250 sea turtles this week. Most rescues took place in Brevard County but turtles were also rescued in Indian River, Gulf and Pinellas counties. Most of the sea turtles affected were green turtles, with some loggerheads and Kemp's ridleys as well as one hawksbill. FWC biologists predict the majority of the affected turtles will survive. Sea turtle rehabilitation facilities throughout the state are housing these animals until they can be released when temperatures warm. Stranded sea turtles and all other distressed wildlife should be reported to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).