JACKSONVILLE (AP) — Officials are working to help 10 sea turtles stunned by the cold weather along the North Carolina coast.
The Daily News of Jacksonville reported the juvenile green turtles were found late last week on the beach south of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse.
Two volunteers at the Cape Lookout National Seashore found the turtles Saturday. Park rangers took the turtles to their office on Harkers Island.
The turtles were taken to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center on Topsail Island. Park biologist Jon Altman says the weekend strandings are the first of the winter.
Jean Beasley of the sea turtle hospital said Monday the hospital was treating 22 turtles suffering from cold stunning.
North Carolina’s aquariums have also been helping with the rehabilitation efforts.