Cold-stunning, also known as hypothermic stunning, is a hypothermic reaction experienced by marine reptiles, notably sea turtles, when exposed to cold water for prolonged periods, which causes them to become weak and inactive. Cold-stunned sea turtles may float to the surface and be further exposed to cold temperatures, which can cause them to drown.[1] A water temperature threshold of 8[2]–10 °C[3] has been associated with mass turtle stunning events. After cold-stunning has taken place, there is only a very short period of time when sea turtles can be safely rescued.[4]
One study indicates that ocean warming has led to an increase in cold-stunning events in the northwest Atlantic.[5]
Notable instances
In 2016, 1,700 turtles were cold-stunned in North Carolina, following "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 has been called the largest cold-stunning event to be documented in the state.[8]
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