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Loggerheads are air-breathing reptiles, scientific name Caretta caretta. |
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The common name refers to the turtle’s large head. |
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Loggerheads are the most common sea turtles in Florida. |
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Their food consists of mollusks, crabs and animals that encrust reefs and rocks. |
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They have been on Earth for millions of years with little serious threat to the species - until recently. |
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Weighing 250 - 400 pounds, adults can grow to more than three feet in length. |
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Hatchlings are two inches long. |
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Nesting occurs from May through August. Hatching may extend through October. |
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The nest cavity is 18 - 22 inches in depth. |
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Incubation period of the eggs in their sandy nest is 55 - 65 days. |
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Shut off or shield lights that are visible from the
beach. Close drapes or blinds after dark. Use 25 watt yellow-bug
lights where exterior lighting is necessary. Avoid using flashlights
or fishing lanterns on the beach. Fires are not permitted. Lee County
has a Sea Turtle Conservation Code which is enforced. For information
regarding lighting, or to report a lighting violation, please call
Lee County Division of Environmental Sciences (239) 533-8353. |
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Remove beach litter. Balloons, plastic bags, foam and other non-degradable pollutants cause the deaths of many sea turtles who mistake them for food. |
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Quietly observe a nesting turtle from a distance. Do not shine any lights on or around her -- she may abandon
her effort to nest. No flash photography. Stay behind the turtle so that she cannot see you. |
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Do not harass a turtle by touching her or prodding her to move. Stay out of the way as she crawls back to the water. |
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Stack or remove beach furniture. |
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Keep pets on a leash, away from sea turtles and their nests. |
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Leave sea turtle nest identitication markers in place on the beach. |
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Leave nest sites undisturbed. If you find a hatchling wandering in daylight, place it on moist sand in a dry container, shade it and call Turtle Time, Inc. immediately: 239-481-5566. |
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To report dead or injured sea turtles, or, if you have accidentally hooked a sea turtle that is small enough to rescue, contact: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 1-888-404-FWCC, or call Turtle Time, Inc. 239-481-5566 immediately. |