Happy New Year!

January 1, 2021
Happy New Year and welcome to 2021! It may seem warm at the moment, but January and February may bring cooler weather. Unlike warm-blooded mammals (such as humans, cats, dolphins and whales), sea turtles are cold-blooded. They cannot regulate their body temperature to stay warm. Rather, their body temperature changes with the temperature of the water around them. During the winter, when waters slowly turn cold, turtles keep warm by migrating to areas with higher water temperatures. However, when there is a sudden and/or prolonged drop in air and water temperature, turtles may not have time to migrate to warmer waters and become "cold-stunned." Cold-stunning is the term used to describe turtles who are experiencing hypothermia. They become slow-moving or lethargic, have a decreased heart rate and circulation, may go into shock or even perish from pneumonia. Because cold-stunned turtles are weakened, they can be pushed to shore by strong tides or winds where they become stranded.

If our temperatures drop again this winter and you find a cold-stunned sea turtle on the beach,
please call the FWC at 888-404-3922 for assistance.

​​​~Volusia/Flagler Turtle Patrol

Florida Sea Turtles

There are 5 species of sea turtles found along Florida's Beaches.

LOGGERHEAD

The Loggerhead Turtle is the most common turtle on  our beaches. She is named for her immense, block-like head and strong jaws.

LEATHERBACK

The Leatherback Turtle is the largest turtle. She has a leathery shell, can reach up to 7 feet in length and weigh up to 1,500 pounds.

GREEN

The Green Turtle gets her name from the color of her fat. She is an herbivore, eating plants, sea grasses,
​ and algae.

HAWKSBILL

The Hawksbill Turtle has a beautiful, distinct carapace (shell). It is  tortoiseshell in color and almost heart-shaped. 

KEMP'S RIDLEY

The Kemp's Ridley is the most endangered sea turtle in the world. She is relatively small, weighing less than 100 pounds.
If you find a sick or injured sea turtle, please do not place it back in the water.
Call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) for assistance.