NMB protected endangered loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest # 12

A beautiful crawl (tracks) coming and going. This is hard work for her as she is dragging her heavy body up onto the sand using just her flippers. She will then need dig the preciouses egg chamber, with just her two back flippers. She will typically dig down 18-24 inches deep, sometimes deeper depending on the species. Then it's time for her to lay her eggs, burry them back up and then throw sand with her flippers to disguise her nest.  After all of this she then will drag her heavy body back into the Ocean. Exhausting work for her and she may repeat this for a typical 2-6 times during the year she nest.  She will not eat during this time, so if you see a Sea Turtle trying to nest, please stay back, no light and certainly to not hinder or touch her. She is out of her environment and gets scared and stressed very easily, using up her precious's energy needed to nest.

 Well, this endangered Loggerhead Sea Turtle mother did her job very well.  Once the endangered Sea Turtle lays her eggs, she will do her best to disguise the egg chamber. A long body with a couple of places they could possibly be.  While probing is done to locate the egg chamber, the NMB STP Volunteers are in their happy place, they get to talk to many beachgoers who are very curious.  Many will go home with a new appreciation of the endangered Sea Turtle conservation efforts to save the Endangered Sea Turtle species.

They eggs are carefully relocated into a new egg chamber made to replicate the original nest according to SCDNR guidelines by trained NMB STP Volunteers and permits. Since this nest is relocated, we take that opportunity to count the eggs. 

There were 119 eggs in this nest. One is used for DNA studies so 118 relocated. 

Once relocated, a cage, poles with rope is put around the nest. A sign indicating this is a protected endangered Sea Turtle Nest. 

We have Corrina's Grandchildren that will help put up a flag and patriotic on the poles. 

Great job to all of the NMBSTP Volunteers, all making the difference in helping to save the future of 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, Hatchling or stranded Sea Turtle in NMB or Briarcliffe areas please call immediately

NMB STP HOTLINE

843-213-9074

ANYTIME DAY OR NIGHT