Sea turtles have been cold-stunning in NC in record numbers during this recent and unusual cold snap. Basically the ocean water has turned cold too quickly for the turtles to pick up on the cues that tell them instinctively to head out to warmer waters. Because they are reptiles, and totally dependent on the environment for their own internal temperature regulation, their bodies virtually shut down, rendering them totally helpless. Many have washed up on the beaches so cold they could barely blink. Turtles have also been spotted floating in the shallow surf, sounds, inlets, and the ICW.

If you see a turtle in the Wrightsville Beach area that appears to be either cold stunned or injured, call 910-612-3047. If a turtle is encountered outside of our area, call 470-2800, or 470-2880. Both of these numbers will be answered 24/7.

Wrightsville Beach Sea Turtle Project is a non-profit organization. The money that we generate from all our wonderful and generous donations as well as the money we raise from T-shirts, etc are either used to purchase equipment and supplies for the Topsail Island Sea Turtle Hospital or for materials we distribute for the education of Sea Turtle awareness in our community. We are currently also in the process of raising money to purchase an X-ray for the Topsail Island Sea Turtle Hospital. Jean and her staff of volunteers have always taken in our sick and injured turtles. This is one small way we want to show our appreciation and help even more sea turtles in the future.

We will have Sea Turtle T-shirts, baseball caps, and stickers available at the excavation with all proceeds going to help the Topsail Island Sea Turtle Hospital. The adult T-shirts are $20; kids T-shirts are $15; and stickers are $5. If you can not make it to the excavation, please email WBTurtleWatchers@gmail.com for more information on T-shirts, baseball caps, and/or stickers.

During the nesting season, you may come across a sea turtle who is hurt or injured. If you see a sea turtle that appears to be hurt, stranded, or struggling please call 910-791-4541. For your safety, please do not attempt to rescue the turtle yourself.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP TODAY? We just started participating in the GoodSearch program. By using GoodSearch as your internet search engine, every time you click on it, 1 cent will be donated to the Wrightsville Beach Sea Turtle Project. Those clicks can really add up! Or you can also click on 'GoodSearch' in the right column of this page to access it. For more information and ideas on how you can use this, go to "http://www.goodsearch.com/GetInvolved.aspx".

Check out the link to Sea Turtle Note Cards at the right of this page. A $3 donation to WBSTP is being made for every purchase of a set of Sea Turtle Note Cards. Many thanks goes out to Jumping Jack Designs for this generous contribution. See more at jumpingjackdesigns.com.