50-Pound Sea Turtle With Hypothermia Rescued On Cape Beach

BARNSTABLE, MA — Barnstable Natural Resources officials rescued a cold-stunned loggerhead sea turtle that was suffering from hypothermia. Town officials found the 50-to-60-pound turtle stranded at Harris Meadow Wednesday.

Nine Coleman, the director of Natural Resources, told Patch the department was surprised because loggerheads usually aren't found cold-stunned until later in the season because they are much larger than other sea turtles found in Cape Water. Often, loggerheads aren't found cold-stunned until spring.

"Loggerheads usually come in later than the Kemp ridleys (sea turtles), she said. "Usually the first rescued are Kemp ridleys and green turtles. We're surprised we found a loggerhead this early, but surprised an happy (to rescue)."

During the fall and winter months, it's common for sea turtles to suffer hypothermia-like symptons as water temperatures decrease. Earlier this month, three Kemp ridley sea turtles were rescued on beaches in Brewster, Eastham and at Great Island in Wellfleet.

So far this season, Barnstable Natural Resources staff and volunteers have rescued 32 Kemp ridley turtles, one green turtle and a loggerhead.

Coleman said the loggerhead has since been brought to the New England Aquarium's animal care facility in Quincy for rehabilitation.