Sea Turtles

Sea Turtles – my all time favorite…Sea Turtles, they are either threatened or endangered and Florida has many laws protecting them. We have the most nesting Sea Turtles, especially this coast, than anywhere else. Being a visitor doesn’t excuse anyone from not following the rules. Man-made lighting disorients hatchlings and may cause them to go away from the ocean where they will not survive. They find the sea by the reflection of the sky or moon. Many places on the beach have certain types of lighting that does not distract the turtles during nesting season. Flashlights and flash from cameras is also distracting to them and may even stop a mother turtle from laying her eggs. Sea Turtle are huge (Leatherbacks can weigh 700 – 2000 pounds) and seeing one is just awesome! We have gone at night to see them lay eggs and each time was just as exciting as the last. But on many occasions I have witnessed other viewers disturbing their rituals by standing in their path, taking photo after photo, calling out to those they are with. It pisses me off. So remember to observe with caution and follow the rules.

A turtle that was released after rehab

Hatchlings heading to the ocean