Cold-Stunning Event Strikes Texas Coast, Sea Turtles at Risk
On January 20, 2025, a powerful cold front swept through the Texas coast, bringing freezing temperatures that would prove perilous for sea turtles. As northern bays experienced a sudden drop in water temperatures below the 50°F threshold, a dangerous event known as cold-stunning began to unfold, leaving sea turtles vulnerable.
Cold-stunning occurs when a rapid temperature drop renders cold-blooded sea turtles unable to regulate their body temperature. The cold causes their bodies to become lethargic, making it impossible for them to swim or forage. Many of these turtles were left floating helplessly on the water’s surface or washed ashore, vulnerable to predation, boat strikes, and hypothermia. Without swift intervention, the chances of survival would be slim.
As the crisis unfolded, the Amos Rehabilitation Keep (ARK) at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI) sprang into action. Alongside a network of wildlife organizations and volunteers, the ARK team began responding to reports of stranded turtles, collecting them from beaches, jetties, and bays.
Once rescued, the turtles were transported to rehabilitation facilities where they would be carefully cared for. Their recovery process includes being gently warmed in temperature-controlled environments, monitored closely for signs of recovery, and provided with hydration and nourishment to help them regain their strength.
As the days passed, the ARK team, along with other wildlife organizations, worked tirelessly to ensure the turtles were prepared for their eventual release back into the wild. This year’s cold-stunning event was particularly severe, and experts anticipate that more turtles will require rescue as temperatures continue to plummet.
The public has been urged to remain vigilant and report any sightings of stranded turtles. If you come across a cold-stunned sea turtle, authorities stress the importance of not attempting to return it to the water. These animals are unable to function properly and are at risk of drowning. Instead, the best course of action is to immediately call the Texas Sea Turtle Hotline at 1-866-TURTLE-5 (887-8535) or the ARK at (361) 749-6793.
Cold-stunning events are not uncommon in Texas, but the timing and severity of each event can vary greatly, depending on the strength of the cold front. This recent event serves as a powerful reminder of the need for quick and effective response to save the lives of these vulnerable sea turtles, and how crucial community support is to the survival of these animals.
For more information on cold-stunning events and ongoing rescue efforts, visit:
January 28, 2025 –Just days ago, dozens of cold-stunned sea turtles lay motionless along the Texas coast—victims of a sudden and severe cold front that plunged water temperatures below the critical 50°F threshold. Stranded and helpless, they floated in the shallows or washed ashore, their bodies too cold to function. Without intervention, they would have faced a grim fate.
Fortunately, the dedicated team at the Amos Rehabilitation Keep (ARK) at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI), along with partner organizations and volunteers, sprang into action. One by one, the turtles were carefully collected from beaches, bays, and jetties, rushed to rehabilitation facilities, and placed in temperature-controlled environments where they could slowly recover.
Now, after days of monitoring, hydration, and a gradual return to their normal body temperature, 60 of these rescued turtles are ready to go home. The team at ARK has announced their scheduled release on January 28th at 4 PM at beach mile marker 35.
The release marks a hopeful milestone in the recovery efforts of cold-stunned sea turtles, highlighting the success of rescue teams and the resilience of the turtles themselves. This special moment serves as a reminder of the importance of swift action in marine wildlife rescue and the community’s role in ensuring these incredible creatures have a second chance at life.
If you are able to attend, the public is invited to witness the release and celebrate the return of these resilient creatures to their natural habitat.
For those who find themselves encountering stranded turtles, please remember:
Do not attempt to return them to the water. Call the Texas Sea Turtle Hotline at 1-866-TURTLE-5 (887-8535) or the ARK at (361) 749-6793 for immediate assistance.
Every rescue counts, and with continued vigilance and support, more turtles will get the opportunity to return to the wild.