BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS (AP) -- Officials say at least 38 endangered sea turtles stunned by cooler water from the recent Texas cold snap washed up near the Gulf Coast and couldn't be saved.

Jeff George of South Padre Island's Sea Turtle Inc. said Sunday the dead turtles were among about 150 Atlantic green turtles that washed up in the shallow bays and channels near South Padre and Corpus Christi.

Wildlife experts were hopeful that most turtles had already headed south before last week's cold front brought subfreezing temperatures to most of Texas.

George tells the San Antonio Express-News he didn't know the exact water temperature but that a sudden 10 degree drop would send the turtles into a coma.

Officials say about 50 rescued turtles were headed Monday to the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi.

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