As colder weather settles in, Maryland officials are urging people near the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coast to watch for sea turtles and marine mammals struggling in cold water. Animals that appear weak or unresponsive should be reported right away.
What’s Happening: The Maryland Department of Natural Resources says cold-stunning is a seasonal threat that shows up when water temperatures drop quickly or fall steadily in late autumn and early winter.
Reports should be made to the Maryland Natural Resources Police Hotline at 800-628-9944.
What’s Important: Cold-stunning can leave animals sluggish, floating, or unable to respond. In some cases, the condition can be deadly if the animal is not rescued.
The Big Picture: Each year, wildlife agencies respond to thousands of cold-stunned sea turtles along the Atlantic Coast. NOAA tracking shows 696 turtles reported in the Greater Atlantic Region as of December 15, with most of those strandings happening in Massachusetts.
By The Numbers: Although sea turtles are most commonly affected, West Indian Manatees are also vulnerable. Maryland officials say a cold-stunned manatee was found deceased at the Dundalk Marine Terminal in late November 2016.
What To Do: People who see a floating, lethargic, or stranded sea turtle or marine mammal should stay back and call the Maryland Natural Resources Police Hotline at 800-628-9944. The hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Reports of deceased animals can also be submitted through an online form.
Why It Matters: Sea turtles and marine mammals are protected by federal law. Interfering with them can lead to fines, jail time, or the seizure of personal property.
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