Just days after an endangered loggerhead sea turtle was rescued from Short Beach in Tillamook County, a tragic discovery was made on the northern Oregon Coast. A 40-pound olive ridley sea turtle washed ashore on Sunset Beach near Fort Stevens State Park and was found dead on Monday afternoon, December 31, 2024, according to the Seaside Aquarium.

The stranded turtle's death is being attributed to recent storm systems from the south, which have disrupted the warm offshore currents that sea turtles depend on for survival. These weather events have pushed turtles closer to shore and into dangerously cold waters. As the Seaside Aquarium explained in a Facebook post, “When the weather conditions suddenly change, the warm waters quickly dissipate, and the turtles find themselves trapped in the colder waters of the natural currents running along the Oregon and Washington coasts. When this happens, their bodies slow down, and they become hypothermic.”

Difficult Survival Odds for Stranded Sea Turtles

Sea turtles, like the olive ridley species, are adapted to warm waters where they forage for food. However, sudden exposure to frigid coastal currents can lead to severe hypothermia, making it nearly impossible for them to survive. Hypothermic turtles may appear lifeless, with slowed heartbeats and unresponsiveness, making it difficult for responders to determine whether they are alive or dead.

The Seaside Aquarium emphasized that the survival rate for sea turtles stranded on the Oregon and Washington coasts is exceedingly low. However, in rare cases where a turtle is found alive, it is transported to a nearby rehabilitation center, such as the Oregon Coast Aquarium or the Seattle Aquarium. After weeks of stabilization, surviving turtles are sent to specialized facilities in California to recover further before being released back into their natural habitat.

Recent Rescue of Endangered Loggerhead Sea Turtle

The discovery of the dead olive ridley came just days after volunteers from the Netarts-Oceanside Fire District successfully rescued an endangered loggerhead sea turtle from Short Beach in Tillamook County. Unlike the olive ridley, the loggerhead turtle was found alive and has been taken to a rehabilitation facility for care.

A Reminder of Nature’s Challenges

These back-to-back incidents underscore the challenges marine wildlife faces along the Oregon Coast, especially during winter storm events. The olive ridley sea turtle, which typically weighs between 75-100 pounds when fully grown, is one of the most commonly found species in Oregon when strandings occur, though other species, like loggerhead and green turtles, are occasionally spotted.

While the dead 40-pound olive ridley serves as a somber reminder of the harsh realities these creatures face, the recent rescue of the loggerhead provides a glimmer of hope. Both incidents highlight the critical role of local organizations, volunteers, and rehabilitation centers in responding to such emergencies and working to preserve marine life.

What To Do If You Find a Stranded Sea Turtle

If you come across a stranded sea turtle on the beach, it’s crucial to report it immediately to local authorities or organizations like the Seaside Aquarium. Do not attempt to move the turtle, as improper handling can cause further harm. By alerting wildlife experts, you can help ensure that the turtle receives the best chance at survival—or in tragic cases, that data is collected to aid in conservation efforts.

This winter, keep an eye out for wildlife in need, and remember the importance of protecting the delicate balance of Oregon’s marine ecosystems.