NMB Protected Loggerhead Nest #6

 Once in a great while you are lucky enough to encounter a Nesting Sea Turtle on the beach before returning to the Ocean from Nesting. A call coming into the NMB STP Hotline about a Sea Turtle on the beach and a second call coming from the NMB City rakers. All bystanders keeping a respectful distance so not disturbing her while she nested.   NMB STP Volunteers arriving just after she was ready to return to the Ocean

All Sea Turtles are endangered, Special Guidelines, training and Permits are required to work with Nesting Sea Turtles, Nest, Hatchlings and Stranded Sea Turtles.

Measurements are taken, checking the overall condition of this Sea Turtle along with checking for any entanglements or foreign material that she may have, as this might be the only time to remove them.  All of this information will be entered into a National Database to help in the future Survival of the Beautiful endangered Sea Turtle Species.

While checking the overall body condition, we are able to see and document that this Nesting Mother has an old wound, probability it is from a previous predator attack. Part of its carapace with part of the right rear flipper is missing.  It's incredible what this mother probably endured and is able to successfully nest.  She is certainly doing her part in the Future of the Endangered Sea Turtle Species.

A beautiful long incoming and outgoing crawl leading up to the Body Pit

Sometimes the Sea Turtle will start digging a hole but will abandon it.  Some reasons may be that she just didn't like the sand or something or someone may have scared her.  Very lucky as she crawled up another few feet before finding the perfect spot to dig her egg chamber.  

The body pit will be looked at and a starting point to look for eggs will begin.  The egg chamber was easily found.

Because this is in the middle of a busy beach with Many lights that would disorient Hatchlings when the head to the Ocean this nest will be relocated to a safer pert of the beach.  A cage, poles, and rope are put around the relocated nest to help protect this nest.

Great Job to all the dedicated NMB STP Volunteers walking today and every day.  All making a difference to help save the Endangered Sea Turtle Species.

All Sea Turtles are Endangered, they are federally, and State Protected.  Special guidelines, training and permits are required to work with nesting Sea Turtles Nest, Hatchlings and Stranded Sea Turtles.

If you encounter a Nesting Sea Turtle or stranded Sea Turtle in the NMB or Briarcliffe areas, please call

NMB STP HOTLINE

843-213-9074

ANY TIME DAY OR NIGHT