Happy 4th of July!
July 1, 2020
Photo shared by morning turtle patrol team Susie, Teri & Beca on 6/24/20.
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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.
Loud sounds from fireworks can scare mama turtles and stop them from nesting. Waste left behind by fireworks can harm mama turtles and other sea life. Plus, some of the nests that were laid early in the season are starting to hatch! It would be a scary and confusing start to life to emerge to loud noises and bright lights. Hatchlings need to reserve their energy to make it safely out to sea away from predators such as crabs and shorebirds. Fireworks can disorient the hatchlings and cause them to travel unnecessarily in haphazard directions making their journey to sea longer and more difficult. So, enjoy the day, but please celebrate responsibly. The turtles thank you and we thank you! ~Volusia/Flagler Turtle Patrol |
13th Annual Turtle Fest
In light of the coronavirus, and for the health/safety of our community,
the 2020 Turtle Fest has been postponed. It has been rescheduled for:
August 8, 2020
In light of the coronavirus, and for the health/safety of our community,
the 2020 Turtle Fest has been postponed. It has been rescheduled for:
August 8, 2020
Click here for more info.
Florida Sea Turtles
There are 5 species of sea turtles found along Florida's Beaches.
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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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.
Call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) for assistance.