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Sea Turtle Glossary

Please report errors to glossary@seaturtle.org.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z all

 

Cold Stunning

The state that turtles enter when they are suddenly exposed to very cold water (< 10 °C). They become lethargic and begin to float on the surface of the water. In this state, they are susceptible to predators, accidental boat strikes, and even death if water temperatures continue to drop.

See also: ectotherm

WWW References:

• Cold stunning in North Carolina
• Cold stunning in Texas
• A Record Number of Cold-stunned Sea Turtles in Cape Cod Bay 1999-2000

Citations:

• Witherington, B. E. and Ehrhart, L. M. 1989. Hypothermic stunning and mortality of marine turtles in the Indian River Lagoon System, Florida. - Copeia 1989: 696-703.

Entered by: Annette Broderick
Modified by: Matthew Godfrey
Entered: 2004-12-16 06:54:58
Last modified: 2005-05-05 18:21:45