Protecting Nesting Sea Turtles in Volusia and Flagler Counties, Florida.
October 1, 2018
Welcome to October! Turtle season has officially come to end for 2018. Thank you to everyone who participated in helping keep our turtles safe this year... from all of our volunteers who combed the shores and recorded/relocated turtle nests to everyone who shared the beaches and picked up trash on their beach walk or turned out lights along the shore!
But there's still lots to do in the turtle world! Autumn (specifically, August through November) is a time when washbacks are seen on our beaches. Washbacks are small turtles, slightly larger than hatchlings, that initially made their way out to sea but because of storms or strong winds have been pushed back to shore. They often ride back to shore on the brown sargassum seaweed and can be found hidden among it on our beaches. These little fellas are usually very tired from their ordeal and are may be dehydrated or in need of medical attention. Important Note: Please DO NOT collect washbacks on your own! Volunteers are specially trained to handle them and deliver them to a location where they can get medical care. If you find a washback on the beach, please call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) so that they can get the attention they need.
But there's still lots to do in the turtle world! Autumn (specifically, August through November) is a time when washbacks are seen on our beaches. Washbacks are small turtles, slightly larger than hatchlings, that initially made their way out to sea but because of storms or strong winds have been pushed back to shore. They often ride back to shore on the brown sargassum seaweed and can be found hidden among it on our beaches. These little fellas are usually very tired from their ordeal and are may be dehydrated or in need of medical attention. Important Note: Please DO NOT collect washbacks on your own! Volunteers are specially trained to handle them and deliver them to a location where they can get medical care. If you find a washback on the beach, please call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) so that they can get the attention they need.
Thanks again for a great 2018 season!
~ The Volusia/Flagler Turtle Patrol
~ The Volusia/Flagler Turtle Patrol
Volunteer, Diane, looking for washbacks
among the
sargassum seaweed.
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Washback collection bucket.
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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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