NMB PROTECTED LOGGERHEAD SEA TURTLE NEST NUMBER 4

While out walking on the beach, NMB STP Volunteer Jerry came upon a nice surprise, a promising crawl and nice body pit, soon NMB STP Volunteers Mary and Stan were there also as this was their segment to walk. Soon other NMB STP Volunteers are there to help.

Looking at the signs from the crawl, as this will tell much of the story.  This story tells of one very determined nesting Loggerhead Sea turtle.

A beautiful Body pit, and a successful nest. But 3 unfilled holes where this nesting mother could have been in trouble, if you look at the right of this picture, you will see where this Sea Turtle had veered to the right just missing one of the biggest holes.

A closer look at the hole that she veered around, showing just how deep it is. She was lucky that she had gotten around the biggest hole, as she could have easily been trapped and injured.

Sad to see this other hole that was also not filled in, as she did go through this smaller hole, which you can tell had some difficulty getting out of but did eventually make it through.

This nesting mother was pretty cleaver, as she had thrown more sand around than normal to disguise her nest and dug a very deep egg chamber, but Chuck was able find the nest.

Measurements were taken of the egg chamber once all eggs were safely taken out to relocate to a safer part of the beach, 18 to 20 inches deep, she was determined to hide her eggs well.

One egg is used for DNA studies, this information is shared in a database. Sea Turtles spend their entire life in the ocean, only coming on shore to nest or stranded in need of help.  The information from the DNA gives will help in the conservation and future of the endangered Sea Turtle species.

Once the eggs are safely relocated, a cage is put around the nest to protect this nest, along with a sign indicating this is a protected, endangered Sea Turtle nest.

NMB protected Sea Turtle nest # 4

All Sea Turtles are endangered, they are federally, and state protected.  Special guidelines, training and permits are required to work with nesting mothers, nest, hatchlings and stranded Sea Turtles.

If you are in NMB or Briarcliffe areas and encounter a Sea Turtle, please call the NMB STP Hotline

NMB STP HOTLINE

843-213-9074

ANY TIME DAY OR NIGHT