Cold-stunning
Hypothermic reaction in marine reptiles
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Cold-stunning, also known as hypothermic stunning, is a hypothermic reaction experienced by marine reptiles, especially sea turtles, after prolonged exposure to cold water. Affected animals become weak and inactive. Cold-stunned sea turtles may float to the surface, where further exposure to cold temperatures can cause them to drown.[1] Water temperatures of 8–10 °C have been associated with mass turtle-stunning events.[2][3] Rescue is time-sensitive after cold-stunning occurs.[4]
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One study indicates that ocean warming has increased cold-stunning events affecting Kemp's ridley sea turtles in the northwest Atlantic.[5]
Notable instances
In 2016, 1,700 turtles were cold-stunned in North Carolina after "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 was described as the largest cold-stunning event documented in the state.[8]