VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (CNN) -- Good samaritans are making a difference for sea turtles that are washing ashort along the east coast.
Several sea turtles that have been found with frostbite in recent weeks are being cared for at a Virginia aquarium.
The animals seem to be badly affected by the cold Atlantic water according to their caretakers.
Linda D'Eri, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center live animal coordinator, says, "Their body systems start to shut down and they become very very cold. they can get frostbite their body systems really start to shut down, become very slow and almost go into a coma-like state."
The most recent animal found on the beach was kept safe by a beachgoer who wrapped him in blanket and called for help.
Experts say, for cold-stunned sea turtles a few hours could mean the difference between life and death.