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As white-sand beaches became covered by white snow during a historic snowstorm, more than 30 frozen sea turtles were rescued off Florida’s coast. “When water temperatures drop to 50 degrees Fahrenheit or below, sea turtles can become cold-stunned, making them weak and unable to swim,” the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said. Water temperatures in Pensacola Beach hit 47 degrees on Jan.
23, prompting calls from beachgoers who spotted lethargic turtles washing up on shore, according to Gulf Coast Turtle Watch. Rescuers focused their efforts on the Florida Panhandle, which was hit by up to 8 inches of snow in some areas, according to the National Weather Service. Photos and videos from up and down the Panhandle show snow-covered beaches.
The FWC shared Jan. 23 that two of its officers “braved the freezing water” near Gulf County to rescue 30 cold-stunned turtles . In a Facebook post shared by the FWC, sea turtles of all different sizes are seen sitting on a bed of snow on the deck of the boat.
“These rescues occurred during the winter storm, hence the standing snow,” the FWC said on Facebook. “Our officers worked quickly to transport all rescued cold-stunned sea turtles to rehabilitation centers for further treatment.” One passerby walking on the beach in Pensacola spotted two juvenile sea turtles that had washed up and called them in, Gulf Coast Turtle Watch said.
The day before, a member of Escambia Turtle Patrol rescued another. A similar cold snap stunned dozens of turtles in early 2024, but after the sea creatures were rehabbed and water temperatures rose again, 40 turtles were released back into wild, McClatchy News reported. Turtles can lose their ability to swim in cold temperatures and may be seen “floating listlessly in the water or near shore,” according to the FWC.
“Keep in mind that cold-stunned turtles can appear to be dead but often are still alive.” Rescuers advise the public to be on the lookout for marine life that may need help. The FWC urges anyone who spots a distressed or injured turtle to call the Wildlife Alert hotline at 888-404-3922.
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