Protecting Nesting Sea Turtles in Volusia and Flagler Counties, Florida.
Countdown to Turtle Nesting Season!
Last updated April 1, 2018
4/16 Update: Photos from the 2018 Turtle Trek 5K are in! Click here to view them.
No April Fools here! As you may know, different areas of Florida have different Turtle Nesting Season dates. Some have already begun. Here at the Volusia/Flagler Turtle Patrol, the beginning of our nesting season is only a month away (May 1). We are prepped and ready to go! To kick off the season we'll be holding our annual fund-raiser, Turtle Fest 2018, on May 5. We hope you can join us for some fun, excitement, and education (more info to come). And, since turtles don't keep calendars, we may even have a few early-birds or should I say "early-turtles" in April. We can't wait to see you again, mama turtles!
~ The Volusia/Flagler Turtle Patrol
Save the Date!
(Click image to enlarge.)
April Fact of the Month...
This month's fact is that YOU can make a difference in making turtle nesting season a success! Since we share our beaches with the turtles, there are things we can do to reduce our footprint and make the beaches safe for the turtles. Here are a few things you can do to help:
- Keep your distance! If you see mama turtle coming to shore to nest, don't approach and remain quiet.
- Keep lights out or close curtains if you live on the beach so as not to disorient mama turtles as they come ashore.
- After enjoying the beach, leave it as you found it. Fill in holes you may have dug, remove lawn chairs, trash, etc.
- Do not disturb nests that have been laid by mama turtles (we surround nesting sites with yellow protective tape).
- Avoid bonfires, fireworks, and flashlights on the beach. Again, we need to provide a quiet, undisturbed environment for mama turtles to feel safe coming to shore.
If you come across a nesting sea turtle on our beaches, please keep your distance and do not disturb her.
She may become spooked and return to the water before laying her eggs.
If you find a sick or injured sea turtle, please do not place it back in the water.
Call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) for assistance.
She may become spooked and return to the water before laying her eggs.
If you find a sick or injured sea turtle, please do not place it back in the water.
Call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) for assistance.
FLORIDA SEA TURTLES
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There are 5 species of sea turtles found along Florida's Beaches.
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LOGGERHEADThe Loggerhead Turtle is the most common turtle on our beaches. She is named for her immense, block-like head and strong jaws.
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LEATHERBACKThe Leatherback Turtle is the largest turtle. She has a leathery shell, can reach up to 7 feet in length and weigh up to 1,500 pounds.
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GREENThe Green Turtle gets her name from the color of her fat. She is an herbivore, eating plants, sea grasses,
and algae. |
HAWKSBILLThe Hawksbill Turtle has a beautiful, distinct carapace (shell). It is tortoiseshell in color and almost heart-shaped.
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KEMP'S RIDLEYThe Kemp's Ridley is the most endangered sea turtle in the world. She is relatively small, weighing less than 100 pounds.
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