Protecting Nesting Sea Turtles in Volusia and Flagler Counties, Florida.
Happy Independence Day!
Last updated July 1, 2018
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Happy Independence Day to all of our turtle lovers out there. We hope that you have a safe and happy 4th of July! And, to keep our turtle friends safe and happy, please remind your friends and families that sea turtles and fireworks don't mix. The loud sounds can scare mama turtles and stop them from nesting. The waste left behind by fireworks can harm mama turtles and other sea life. (Plus, it's illegal to use fireworks on the beach!) So please celebrate responsibly... the turtles thank you :)
~ The Volusia/Flagler Turtle Patrol |
6/23/18... Location is Everything! A mama turtle decided to lay her nest in the traffic lane just south of Granada the night before the Ormond Family YMCA Triathlon. Pictured is a Turtle Patrol volunteer guarding the nest until it could be relocated to a safer location.
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July Fact of the Month...
It's been a little over a year since we were honored by a visit from a Kemp's Ridley sea turtle. They are the rarest of all the sea turtle species and are critically endangered. Kemp Ridley's are relatively small. Their carapace (upper shell) reaches 2 feet in length and they can weigh up to 100 pounds. They nest every one to three years. Most of their nesting occurs "in mass" with hundreds of females coming to shore to nest at the same time along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Kemp Ridley's are named after Richard Kemp who first discovered and studied the species, but is unknown where the "Ridley" portion of its name came from. It has been suspected that it may be due to the similarities with the Olive Ridley sea turtle. Enjoy the photo and video below of our rare visitor.
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Kemp's Ridley on our beaches! (6/21/2017)
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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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