Sea Turtle Super Heroes
Even in below-average temps, dedicated Outer Banks volunteers diligently patrol the Cape Hatteras National Seashore for stranded sea turtles. Most folks realize that sea turtles are on the Endangered Species List, but did you know that only 1 hatchling in 1,000 actually survives to maturity? Not the best odds, huh? However, sea turtles on the Outer Banks are lucky enough to have a special group of volunteers watching over them. These volunteers don't wear capes or spandex (at least we hope not), but it isn't an overstatement to consider them Sea Turtle Super Heroes.
The OBX is the farthest north that sea turtles generally venture. During the warm summer months, sea turtles visit the Outer Banks to lay eggs. During the winter, and particularly when we experience a cold spell, these endangered reptiles are susceptible to the chilly temperatures. Sea turtles are cold-blooded and can subsequently become "cold-stunned." The poor creatures become so dazed and lethargic that they can't look for food, move, or even lift their heads to breathe. Volunteers only have a 24-hour window of opportunity to find and rescue the turtles. If found in time, the sea turtles have a very good chance for survival.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore staff and volunteers for the Network for Endangered Sea Turtles, or NEST, have saved a record number of sea turtles this winter. The cold-stunned reptiles are transported to a rehabilitation center at the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island. Recovery usually takes 2-4 weeks, then the turtles are released into the Gulf Stream. NEST volunteers also patrol the beaches during the summer months for injured sea turtles.
NEST is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization. NEST relies on generous donations from Outer Banks locals and vacationers to pay for veterinary bills, supplies and training. You can make a tax-deductible contribution to this organization online at NestOnline.org. Without donations, NEST will be unable to continue this important work. Please consider supporting this worthy nonprofit organization.
Important Note: While vacationing on the Outer Banks, be sure to report any sightings of live, dead or stranded sea turtles. You can call NEST's 24-hour hotline at (252) 441-8622.
Many thanks to the volunteers at NEST, as well as the hard-working staff at
the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and at the NC Aquarium.
Keep up the great work!
See you at the beach!
Mel_OBX