Texas beaches are seeing a surge in endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles as nearly 30 post-hatchlings washed up this week.
HOUSTON — With the Fourth of July coming up, a lot of Texans are heading to the beach, but unexpected guests are trying to join the party: sea turtles.
Sea turtle rehabilitation facilities along the Texas coast are reporting a surge in calls for endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle post-hatchlings washing up on beaches. Nearly 30 have been found in the Coastal Bend region near Corpus Christi over the past week, more than typically seen this time of year.
They’re the smallest and most critically endangered sea turtles, according to the National Park Service.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is urging the public to watch for stranded post-hatchling sea turtles and to immediately call the Texas Sea Turtle Hotline at 866-887-8535 if one is found.
New Texas record
This year has set a record for the number of endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle nests documented in Texas, with 414 nests recorded to date.
After hatching, the 3-inch-long baby turtles normally crawl across the beach and swim into the Gulf.
However, their offshore journey can be disrupted by strong storms, waves and wind, causing them to wash back onto shore. Once stranded, they become vulnerable to predators and the summer heat.
What to Do If You Encounter a Sea Turtle
The Fish and Wildlife Service strongly advises against placing hatchlings back in the water or putting them in containers with water, which can cause further harm. These one-week-old post-hatchlings require specialized care at authorized rehabilitation facilities.
All sea turtles are protected under the Endangered Species Act and cannot legally be possessed by the public. That’s why authorities encourage anyone who encounters a sea turtle on land to contact the Texas Sea Turtle Hotline so trained responders can assist.
Rehabilitation centers such as the Amos Rehabilitation Keep (ARK) and the Texas Sealife Center are permitted by the Fish and Wildlife Service and meet strict standards for care. These facilities have the necessary experience to treat and release sea turtles safely.
To report a stranded sea turtle, call 1-866-TURTLE-5 (1-866-887-8535).