Cold Weather Threats to Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles
With another cold season upon us, it is important to be aware of the threats that extreme cold temperatures pose to the most endangered turtle species, the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle. Designated as the Texas State Turtle by the 83rd Texas Legislature, Kemp’s Ridleys face significant risks when temperatures fall. In fact, cold-stunning, a life-threatening condition caused by sudden drops in water temperature, is the major cause of death among sea turtles during extreme cold weather events.

What is Cold-Stunning and Why Does it Happen?
Cold-blooded animals, such as sea turtles, do not have a mechanism to regulate their body temperature internally. Instead, they rely on external heat sources, like water or sunshine, to stay warm.
Why Cold-Stunning is Life-Threatening for Kemp’s Ridleys
Kemp’s Ridleys, which spend a significant amount of time in shallow waters, are especially vulnerable to cold-stunning because shallow areas cool off quickly. When sea surface temperature drops below 50F, these turtles become at risk.
Shallow Waters and Increased Vulnerability During Freezes
Cold-stunning occurs when the water temperature drops suddenly, causing the turtles’ body temperature to fall too quickly. As a result, their heart rate and blood circulation decrease, leading to lethargy and shock. In severe cases, it can cause pneumonia and, unfortunately, death. When cold-stunned, turtles are unable to swim and may float to the surface, where they become easy targets for predators, vessel strikes, or end up stranded on the shore.
The Aftermath of Winter Storm Uri: Lessons Learned
One of the largest cold-stunning events occurred during the winter storm Uri that hit Texas in February 2021, when over 13,000 cold-stunned sea turtles, including Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtles, were documented.
Unfortunately, of those, nearly 9,000 did not survive. However, over 4,000 turtles were successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild, thanks to the collective efforts of volunteers and organizations working on the front lines of turtle rescue.
The Role of Community Action in Sea Turtle Conservation
Your role is vital to the rescue process, and your call could be the first step in getting a sea turtle the help it needs. As we brace for another winter, let’s stay ready to warm the hearts of Kemp’s Ridleys and other sea turtles in their time of need!

Steps to Report and Assist Stranded Turtles
If you spot a cold-stunned sea turtle, your quick action can help save its life! Call the Texas Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network at 1-866-TURTLE-5 (1-866-887-8535) available 24/7 to report a cold-stunned sea turtle. When reporting, be ready to share details such as the turtle’s location, size, condition, and how close it is to the surf. If possible, stay at the site until responders arrive, but please avoid touching the turtle. For more details about reporting, please visit the NPS website.