Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Truth is, this “calm before the turtles” moment is not quite as calm as it looks. Our team has been hard at work behind the scenes, finishing construction, cleaning tanks, and prepping supplies to prepare for the arrival of our first sea turtle patients of the 2025–2026 cold stun season.
So, what is cold stun season? Sea turtles are reptiles, which means they can’t regulate their own body temperature. When water temperatures drop toward 50ºF, turtles can become weak, unable to swim, and at risk of washing ashore. If that happens, volunteers from Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary rescue the turtles and bring them to our Sea Turtle Hospital!
We’ll be keeping a close eye on Cape Cod Bay as the water dips into the 55ºF range—the usual signal that our first turtle patients may be arriving. Follow along in our stories every Tuesday for #TurtleTempTuesday, where we’ll track the bay and share updates!
#SeaTurtleRescue #ColdStunSeason #SeaTurtles
Truth is, this “calm before the turtles” moment is not quite as calm as it looks. Our team has been hard at work behind the scenes, finishing construction, cleaning tanks, and prepping supplies to prepare for the arrival of our first sea turtle patients of the 2025–2026 cold stun season.
So, what is cold stun season? Sea turtles are reptiles, which means they can’t regulate their own body temperature. When water temperatures drop toward 50ºF, turtles can become weak, unable to swim, and at risk of washing ashore. If that happens, volunteers from Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary rescue the turtles and bring them to our Sea Turtle Hospital!
We’ll be keeping a close eye on Cape Cod Bay as the water dips into the 55ºF range—the usual signal that our first turtle patients may be arriving. Follow along in our stories every Tuesday for #TurtleTempTuesday, where we’ll track the bay and share updates!
#SeaTurtleRescue #ColdStunSeason #SeaTurtles
