Over 1,200 cold stunned sea turtles rescued by FWC following freezing temperatures

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced rescuing over 1,200 sea turtles from frigid water temperatures.

In late January, the northern region of Florida experienced a potent cold front, which caused concern for marine life as the abrupt temperature change would leave some animals cold-stricken.

This update from the FWC comes from an initial Facebook post of two officers locating and rescuing 30 turtles from the icy Gulf County waters.

FWC’s second update noted the total number of sea turtles saved during the winter blast.

According to the FWC, over 1,200 sea turtles were rescued from Jan. 21 to Jan. 26, all green turtles except eight loggerheads and one Kemp’s ridley.

Most were found alive and transported to the Gulf World Marine Institute for recuperation; some were released quickly due to the fast rehabilitation process.

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The remaining turtles will continue rehab before their release date, Jan. 31.