Harsh winter

I was very sad to discover a sea turtle on my walk along the north shore this morning which had succumbed to the cold weather/water we've experienced in the Panhandle this year. I called our Park Biologist, Mark Nicholas, at Gulf Islands National Seashore to let him know what I'd found. Sadly, they later informed me it was a green turtle which is a species we see fewer of in this area.

Again, please be alert for cold-stunned sea turtles on either the north or south beaches. Even if they are not alive, it is important to track the number of sea turtles that have died. There is also the possibility of going through more periods of extreme cold in the coming weeks and if we spot a cold-stunned sea turtle early enough, it can be saved.