Sea Turtles Season?

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Okay, I admit it.  When it comes to creatures, I am a kid at heart!  So, when I have an opportunity to see some of these creatures, I pretty much do anything I can to make it happen.  I was thrilled to find out that there is actually a sea turtle season!  How cool is that?

 

Every year between May and October in Florida, sea turtles flock to Florida to nest.  During the peak of nesting season, thousands of sea turtles make their way to the beaches of Florida to lay their eggs.  The hatchlings appear about 60 days later to make their way to the ocean.

 

Since the nest building and egg laying take place mostly at night, Florida beaches will often turn off their lights to encourage and aid in the process.  The turtles are easily interrupted and this can result in a turtle not laying her eggs, or not properly burying her eggs.  You can sign up for walks that will take you to the beach to see nesting sites and possibly see a turtle build her nest.  The walks usually take place between 8:00 p.m. and midnight.

 

Here are some simple rules to follow should you see a turtle come on shore to nest.  First, keep your distance.  Give the turtle some space to build her nest.  Second, do not use lights.  This includes flashlights, lights from your phone, or flashes from your camera.  If you happen to be around when the babies emerge from their nest, the use of lights can be extremely harmful.  The baby turtles us the light of the moon to determine the direction of the water.  If you use lights they become disoriented and head in the wrong direction.  The odds for a baby turtle surviving to adulthood are extremely low, about 1 in 1,000. 

 

If you find yourself wanting to see sea turtles, plan a beach vacation in Florida between May and October.  Be sure to check into a walking tour that will lead you to nesting sights and keep the lights off!