WASHINGTON — A cold-stunned turtle stranded in Oregon is now recovering at a rescue center in Washington.
The loggerhead sea turtle was stranded on South Beach near Newport, Oregon on March 26, according to a Facebook post from SR³, a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing and protecting marine wildlife in the Pacific Northwest.
The turtle, stunned by the region's cold waters, had a temperature of 54.8 degrees Fahrenheit when it was found. SR³ said the marine reptiles, which typically hover around 75 degrees, can no longer navigate and "are at the mercy of the waves" in this state.
Newport locals found the turtle and alerted the Oregon Coast Aquarium. The turtle was identified as a sub-adult, weighing just over 53 pounds, according to SR³.
The sea turtle was moved to SR³'s care on April 3 where it will rehabilitate at a center in Washington. Crews said the turtle continues to warm up in SR³ pools while they check for any underlying health issues.
In February, a loggerhead turtle rescued from the Salish Sea was taken to the Vancouver Aquarium after she became hypothermic. Now named Moira, she is the second of her species to be spotted in the area.
The turtle was found floating in a bed of kelp in "obvious distress," according to the aquarium. Her rescue was facilitated by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Marine Biologist Dr. Anna Hall.
SR³ said you can report stranded sea turtles to the Marine Mammal Stranding Network in Washington, Oregon and California by calling 1-866-767-6114.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, loggerhead turtles primarily live in subtropical and temperate regions. Loggerhead turtle sightings have been reported as far north as Alaska and as far south as Chile.
