Sea Turtle Rescue and How Beachgoers Can Help Coastal Wildlife

In late fall, sea turtles that have lingered in Cape Cod Bay succumb to dropping water temperatures, become cold-stunned, and wash ashore on bayside beaches. Since the 1970s, Mass Audubon staff and volunteers have rescued thousands of cold-stunned sea turtles. Learn about the four species of sea turtles found in the waters of Massachusetts, learn why they cold-stun, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the rescue process. In addition to helping rescue cold-stunned turtles, beachgoers can also protect nesting shorebirds like piping plovers. Learn what everyone can do to help protect all the amazing and vulnerable wildlife populations found on our coast.

Presented by Sean Kortis, Adult Education Coordinator, Mass Audubon Cape Cod Region.