Final Month of the
2020 Nesting Season

October 1, 2020
​Turtle Nesting Season runs from May 1 to October 31. As the season is winding down, we continue to monitor the last few nests that have yet to hatch. We thought this would be a great time to share some photos with you from the 2020 Nesting Season. As our mornings begin on patrol, we're never sure what we'll find. Some mornings there are breathtaking sunrises, crazy turtle crawls, or sand sculptures built by beachgoers. Unexpected animal life abounds as well. This year we encountered injured shorebirds in need of assistance, a black racer snake and a gopher tortoise on the beach. Scroll down to enjoy the photo slideshow and video below to get a glimpse of life on morning turtle patrol. Photo/video credit goes to the many volunteers on our team who are wonderful enough to capture and share their morning experiences. Thank you, volunteers!
​~Volusia/Flagler Turtle Patrol
2020 Turtle Nesting Season Photos
2020 Turtle Nesting Season Videos

Florida Sea Turtles

There are 5 species of sea turtles found along Florida's Beaches.

LOGGERHEAD

The Loggerhead Turtle is the most common turtle on  our beaches. She is named for her immense, block-like head and strong jaws.

LEATHERBACK

The 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.

GREEN

The Green Turtle gets her name from the color of her fat. She is an herbivore, eating plants, sea grasses,
​ and algae.

HAWKSBILL

The Hawksbill Turtle has a beautiful, distinct carapace (shell). It is  tortoiseshell in color and almost heart-shaped. 

KEMP'S RIDLEY

The Kemp's Ridley is the most endangered sea turtle in the world. She is relatively small, weighing less than 100 pounds.
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.