THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Thursday, January 25, 1996             TAG: 9601250502
SECTION: LOCAL                    PAGE: B2   EDITION: FINAL 
                                             LENGTH: Short :   21 lines

TURTLE-STRANDING HOT LINE

Anyone who finds a sea turtle stranded on the beach should call the Virginia Marine Science Museum's turtle-stranding hot line at 437-4961.

Callers are asked to leave the time of the call, location of the turtle and a physical description of the reptile's condition.

The hot line is staffed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. During nonbusiness hours, calls automatically are transferred to a member of the turtle patrol group.

Museum employees will rescue the turtles and either treat them or release them back into warmer waters of the Atlantic. by CNB