Report Cold-Stunned Sea Turtle Sightings on New York Beaches

Cold stun season is in full swing and sea turtles that frequent New York waters need your help! Cold stunning is a hypothermic condition that results in a lethargic state, causing the animals to appear dead when discovered washed ashore on local beaches.

There are four species of sea turtles that can be found in New York waters: Atlantic Green, Kemp’s Ridley, Loggerhead, and Leatherback Sea turtles. These four species remain in New York waters during the warmer months and typically migrate south towards warmers waters by mid-November.

If you see a sea turtle wash ashore, please call the New York State Marine Mammal  and Sea Turtle Stranding Hotline at (631) 369-9829 and relay as much information as possible. New York Marine Rescue Center (NYMRC) needs a detailed report of where the animal is located. If possible, write down the coordinates and/or mark the turtle’s location with something, such as a stick or driftwood, that will be easy for the team to find.

Please do not touch the animal, put the animal back in the water, or remove the animal from the beach. Sea turtles are federally protected animals and are only to be handled by authorized personnel. Any further sudden changes in temperature or additional stress can lead to death. Check out NYMRC’s events page to learn more about how you can help cold stunned sea turtles in New York State.