PONCE INLET, Fla. – You’ve likely heard about falling, frozen iguanas in Florida when temperatures drop — but what about cold-stunned turtles? With freezing temperatures ahead, Volusia County animal rescuers want residents and visitors to keep an eye out for cold-stunned and stressed turtles.
The Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet has already taken in 12 turtles this year. Several of those admitted within the last week were stressed due to the cold, compounded by other injuries.
They expect to see many more turtles needing help as the cold weather continues over the next week.
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Rescuers say January through April is typically their busiest period, averaging about 75 to 150 turtles needing rehabilitation during that time.
With cold air, chilly water and rough surf now, turtles already suffering from illness or injury could go into shock. They urge people along the coast to stay vigilant this week while the center prepares for a higher-than-usual intake.
“Anywhere along the beach and in the intercoastal as well, so it’s important to be vigilant if you’re out boating or if you live along a marina or a dock, keep an eye out for these turtles,” said Allie Bernstein, manager of the Turtle Rehabilitation Center. “They may appear lifeless but they are often still with us and alive and they need care.”
On average, it takes about three months to rehabilitate a turtle before it can be released back into the wild.
If you see a turtle that looks like it needs help, you’re asked to call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922), so they can send a team to rescue and assist it.
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