It’s that turtle-ly fascinating time of the year

From the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS):

It’s that turtle-ly fascinating time of the year – nesting season! From March until October, sea turtles flock to Atlantic and Gulf coast beaches to lay their eggs. Six sea turtle species, all protected by the Endangered Species Act, call U.S. waters home. Much of USGS’ sea turtle research in the Southeast focuses on four species -- the green, hawksbill, Kemp’s ridley, and loggerhead – in the Gulf of Mexico, Florida Keys, and U.S. Virgin Islands.

Female sea turtles are loyal to the beaches where they hatched, returning there to nest. The number of nests and eggs per nest varies by species. Female loggerheads, the most common sea turtles on Florida shores, lay an average of 100 to 126 eggs in each of 4 to 7 nests. The eggs incubate for about 60 days; then the hatchlings emerge and head for the sea.

Human activities can harm sea turtle nesting success. Coastal development can prevent females from returning to their natal beaches, and artificial lights can confuse nesting females and hatchlings. Beach debris can also interfere with nesting behavior. A recent study found that after large debris was removed from a nesting beach, females produced more nests and were less likely to clamber up onto the beach and then depart without laying eggs.
For more information about USGS sea turtle research in the Southeast:http://on.doi.gov/1qM9PCM
#seaturtle #USGS National Park Service United States Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Photo: Bertha, a tagged female loggerhead turtle, returns to the sea at Florida's Dry Tortugas National Park in 2008. Photo: Kristen Hart, USGS