MARYLAND - The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking Marylanders to be vigilant of cold-stunned sea turtles and other marine animals as water temperatures fall in the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Coast.
According to DNR, cold-stunning is a condition that debilitates animals, causing hypothermia-like symptoms due to extended exposure to cold temperatures. It is usually seen in late autumn and early winter, DNR says, when water temperatures can drop rapidly.
Lethargic animals can be a danger to themselves and potentially to boaters as well, and cold-stunning can be lethal to some species. DNR says the Stranding Network responds to thousands of cold-stunned sea turtles along the Atlantic Coast every year.
Though sea turtles are primarily affected, DNR says West Indian manatees that occasionally visit Maryland waters can also be cold-stunned. In 2016, DNR’s Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Response Program responded to a cold-stunned manatee that was stranded and died at the Dundalk Marine Terminal, according to the Department.
Anyone who comes across lethargic, floating, debilitated, or dead sea turtles or marine mammals in Maryland waters is asked to maintain a safe distance and call the DNR Police Hotline at 800-628-9944.
Both marine mammals and sea turtles are protected by law, and the harassment, feeding, or collection of these animals can result in fines, imprisonment, and/or the seizure of boats and personal property.