CAPE COD, MASSACHUSETTS — At least 219 cold stunned sea turtles have washed ashore in Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts over the last week.<br />According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, cold stunning occurs when the sea turtles are exposed to extreme periods of cold water temperatures.<br />This impairs sea turtles as they are cold-blooded reptiles and depend on external sources for heat. They do not have the ability to warm themselves in cold water.<br />Turtles with the condition suffer from various symptoms including, a decreased heart rate, low blood circulation, shock, pneumonia and death.<br /><br />Robert Prescott, director of the Massachusetts Audubon Society's Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, told the paper the sea turtles were "flash-frozen" in swimming positions. <br /><br />Prescott added changing weather conditions next week may result in more living turtles.
