Inventory on protected Sea Turtle nest #15

 This nest was found with a long crawl that led up to a row of beach chairs blocking its way, which this Mother Sea Turtle had to turn and go another direction to avoid.  Also signs that this Endangered Sea Turtle May have been bothered while laying her nest.   

Please remember all Sea Turtles are endangered and federally and state protected.  Shining lights on, touching, harassing or in any way hindering the Sea Turtles is not only stressful but also illegal.  They are out of their natural environment, easily scared and could result in her not nesting.

All of the endangered loggerhead sea turtle nest are protected and watched every day.  This particular nest was dug into close to the nest.  The tracks show the possibility that a dog may have dug close to this nest.

Eggs incubated for 55 days

Many NMB STP have come to help at this inventory.  They will talk with many curious bystanders and tell them about what is going on and all about the endangered Sea Turtle species.

  When we first arrive to do this inventory, a hermit crab was spotted in the sand.  This is not a beach crab and would not survive on the beach.  Maybee someone not knowing the Hermit Crab would not survive on the beach put him there?  Savannah quickly stepped up to take this Hemet Crab home to care for him there.  What a great home this Hermit Crab has now.  Thank you, Savannah.

One Hatchling was found in this nest that was not able to make it out of the nest on its own.  All are able to look at a safe distance while the inventory is completed.

The Hatchling will be released on the beach to make it to the Ocean on its own. All are kept at a safe distance as the Endangered Loggerhead Sea Turtle makes its way to the Ocean.

The inventory results of this nest

45% hatch rate of relocated eggs

114 eggs in this nest

111 relocated eggs in this nest

52 hatched eggs

59 unhatched or whole eggs

1 live hatchling

0 dead hatchlings

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

NMB STP HOTLINE

843-213-9074

ANY TIME DAY OR NIGHT