QUINTANA, Texas — Crews in Texas rescued a loggerhead turtle found stranded on a beach last week, officials said.
According to KHOU and KRIV, the incident occurred Thursday at Quintana Beach County Park in Quintana, about 70 miles south of Houston.
“We received a call this morning about a stranded turtle on Quintana Beach,” the park wrote alongside photos of the reptile in a Facebook post Thursday afternoon. “Park staff called turtle rescue and stayed with the animal until help could arrive.”
Officials identified the turtle as a female loggerhead, which is considered a vulnerable species, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The Endangered Species Act provides protections for the animals, KHOU reported.
The park added that “an alarming number of loggerheads have been stranding on Texas beaches this year.” The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said most stranded turtles are dead by the time they are found, and the living ones are underweight, according to the Facebook post.
Officials said anyone who finds a sea turtle in need of help should call 1-866-887-8535.
“If possible: Cover the turtle with a wet towel, and/or shade it from the sun,” the park wrote on Facebook. “DO NOT put water in its mouth. Stay with the turtle until officials arrive, and keep the public away from the animal.”
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