This week, we've had some of the coldest temperatures I've ever seen since I've lived in the Daytona Beach Area - well below freezing! Not just humans are stressed over the cold.
Volusia County Marine Science Center (MSC) rehabilitation specialists are experiencing an influx of threatened and endangered sea turtles that become paralyzed by the cold, and an increase in cold-affected sea birds also. The MSC in Ponce Inlet is part of a "stranding network" of facilities that accept and rehabilitate stranded sea turtles and seabirds.
"In the first six days of 2010, 29 birds have been brought to the MSC," said Rachelle LeBlanc, bird rehabilitation specialist. "Last year, 16 birds came in during the same time period. We have received awide variety of birds, including 12 brown pelicans, four northern gannets, three laughing gulls and two common loons."
She explained, "cold-stunning” causes sea turtles to become immobile due to the dramatic decrease in water and air temperatures. The sea turtles wash up on our beaches or along the shores of our lagoons, rivers and can often been seen floating at the surface of the water. A cold-stunned seaturtle may appear to be dead, but may be alive. Without proper intervention, a cold-stunned sea turtle will die. With coastal temperatures dipping into the 20’s locally, more birds and sea turtles will be affected by the extreme cold and brought to the MSC. Most cold-stunned turtles have low body temperatures - sometimes 20 degrees below average. Saving them takes expertise. People should not try to warm the turtles because it can send them into advanced shock. Do not putthem in a warm place or car.
As for cold-stunned birds - any bird that can be approached is probably in trouble. Leave it alone and call an expert for help.
If you see an injured or sickened sea turtle or bird, please call the Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) at (888) 404-FWCC (3922) or the Volusia County Beach Patrol (386) 239-6484 or (386) 756-7491. The Marine Science Center is in need of towels, blankets and sheets to care for the influx of sea turtles and birds. Donations can be dropped off at the MSC - 100 Lighthouse Drive, Ponce Inlet.
While the cold has been unusual, looking out for our wildlife resources should not be. Let's protect and preserve our marine and feathered friends. They are part of the reason the Daytona Beach area is such an attractive place to live.
Search homes for sale on my web Search Page and contact me with any real estate questions for Daytona or Ormond Beach.
Sherry Armstrong, Realtor
386-679-3191
yourkeytothebeach@gmail.com
www.sherryarmstrong.com
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