Sea turtles are some of the most majestic creatures in the ocean, and an alarming new trend is causing concern among environmental activists in Georgia. Twenty-five sea turtles have died along the coast of the Peach State since the year began, and experts believe warm waters are to blame, The Florida Times-Union reports.
The statistics are alarming given that most years, the number of fatalities is less than half of what it is by this point. Wildlife experts believe warmer waters are likely to draw sea turtles closer to shore to feed, but it also makes it more likely they'll get struck and killed by a boat. There has also been a surprisingly large number of strandings, which usually peak some time in April.
"We took more turtles in Brunswick than we normally take, we think because of warmer temperatures," Steve Calver of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers told the newspaper.
The news is especially bad given that the three species most affected, Kemp's Ridley, loggerhead and green turtles, are all endangered.
Although sea turtles are struggling in the water, on land, one of the most threatened animals is the Kermode bear, sometimes referred to as the Spirit Bear. Some believe their numbers are as low as 200, and the black Kermode is often hunted for sport. The Spirit Bear Youth Coalition is one of the leading organizations committed to protecting the beautiful animal.
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