Cold-stunning
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Cold-stunning, also known as hypothermic stunning, is a hypothermic reaction experienced by marine reptiles, notably sea turtles, when exposed to cold water for prolonged periods, which causes them to become weak and inactive. Cold-stunned sea turtles may float to the surface and be further exposed to cold temperatures, which can cause them to drown.[1] A water temperature threshold of 8[2]–10 °C[3] has been associated with mass turtle stunning events. After cold-stunning has taken place, there is only a very short period of time when sea turtles can be safely rescued.[4]
One study indicates that
Notable instances
In 2016, 1,700 turtles were cold-stunned in North Carolina, following "an unusually temperate fall and early winter".[6]
In 2021, nearly 5,000 cold-stunned turtles were rescued in Texas during a winter storm;[7] it has been called the largest cold-stunning event to be documented in the state.[8]
See also
References
- ^ "Cold-Stunning and Sea Turtles – Frequently Asked Questions". NOAA Fisheries. 2021-02-11. Retrieved 2021-02-19.
- PMID 28306747.
- ^ "Cold Stunned Sea Turtles". U.S. National Park Service. Retrieved 2021-02-19.
- S2CID 140671808.
- PMID 30695074.
- ^ Christiansen, Emily F. Finn; Harms, Craig A.; Godfrey, Matthew H. & Finn, Sarah A. (2016). 2016 North Carolina Sea Turtle Cold Stunning Event. 47th Annual International Association for Aquatic Animal Medicine (IAAAM) Meeting & Conference. Virginia Beach, VA.
- ^ Daly, Natasha (2021-02-19). "Nearly 5,000 sea turtles rescued from freezing waters on Texas island". National Geographic. Archived from the original on February 19, 2021. Retrieved 2021-02-19.
- ^ DeSantis, Rachel; Aradillas, Elaine (2021-02-18). "Local Sea Turtle Expert Calls 'Cold-Stunning' Event the 'Largest' That's Been Documented in Texas". PEOPLE.com. Retrieved 2021-02-19.