What should I do if I find a stranded loggerhead turtle on the Solway Coast?

If you find a stranded turtle, do not put it back in the sea. Wrap it in a damp towel, place it somewhere safe, and report it immediately to experts like the SSPCA or MCS.

Why are loggerhead turtles being found washed ashore in Scotland?

Loggerhead turtles may be getting cold-stunned and washed ashore after being swept off track from warmer waters, possibly from regions like Portugal.

Where will the loggerhead turtle found near Southerness Golf Club go?

The rescued loggerhead turtle has been taken to a facility in Fife for rehabilitation, where it will stay for up to a year before being released.

Home / Environment / Stranded Sea Turtle Rescued on Scottish Beach

Stranded Sea Turtle Rescued on Scottish Beach

12 Dec

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Summary

A loggerhead sea turtle was found alive but in shock on a beach.
This is the third loggerhead turtle found in a week, possibly from Portugal.
The turtle will be rehabilitated for up to a year before release.

Stranded Sea Turtle Rescued on Scottish Beach

A large loggerhead sea turtle was discovered by a walker on a beach near Southerness Golf Club on the Solway Coast. The reptile, found near a beached buoy, was initially thought to be deceased but was merely in shock. After receiving instructions from the SSPCA, the finder kept the turtle hydrated and sheltered it in her garden until authorities arrived.

Officials noted this was the third loggerhead turtle found within a single week, suggesting they might have been swept off course from waters near Portugal. Loggerhead turtles, known for their large size and preference for warmer seas, can suffer from cold-stunning, leading to stranding. They are classified as a vulnerable species by the WWF.

The rescued turtle has been transported to Fife for rehabilitation, a process expected to last up to a year before its eventual release back into the ocean. The Marine Conservation Society advises against returning stranded turtles to the sea, instead recommending they be kept damp, sheltered, and reported to specialists.