The Tillamook County Pioneer just received this update:
“Every effort was made to resuscitate the turtle, but unfortunately, the turtle did not make it,” from Tiffany Boothe, Seaside Aquarium.
These sea creatures are not meant to be in the North Pacific, and the stress of the cold water is often too much, in addition to any injuries that are often sustained.
Beach walkers are reminded to keep an eye out for stranded or wounded animals. Sea turtles are not found on Oregon or Washington beaches unless stranded. Typically these extremely sick turtles in the winter, possibly due to the cold water temperatures, changing currents, and high frequency of harsh storms that wash the hypothermic turtles ashore. In Tillamook County, you can contact Seaside Aquarium at 503-738-6211, or the Wildlife Center of the North Coast at 503-338-0331 as they have volunteers in the area. Or, if you find a sea turtle on the beach anywhere along the coast, immediately note its location, remain nearby to observe it, and contact the Oregon State Police Tipline at 800-452-7888 or the Marine Mammal Stranding Network in Oregon, Washington, and California at 1-866-767-6114.
