ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla — St. Johns County officials Wednesday reported an influx of sea turtles washing up on local beaches with severely low body temperatures as a result of a rare winter storm in the area.
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The animals are “cold-stunned,” which often leaves them lethargic, underweight and in need of urgentmedical care. It is a common cause of death for sea turtles and another local threatened species - the Florida manatee.
If you see a washed-up sea turtle, St. Johns County officials say to never push them back into the ocean. Instead, you’re encouraged to call the FWC Wildlife Hotline.
To call, dial 888-404-3922.
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At the end of sea turtle nesting season on October 31st, the county reported a total of 863 turtle nests on its beaches and more than 41,000 hatchlings. Estimates predict that only about one in a thousand hatchlings survive to adulthood.
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