Who is able to work with sea turtles?

No one is authorized to work with sea turtles or their nests unless they are permitted to do so by both the State and Federal governments. Any authorized personnel will carry a permit issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as well as identification to verify him/her as a permit holder. These personnel often wear identifying clothing, which allow them to be recognized from a distance.

What should I do if I see an unauthorized person tampering with a nest?

If you suspect that anyone is tampering with a nest, harassing a turtle, or has possession of a turtle or any of its parts, please call Florida Marine Patrol, Sarasota County Sheriff's Department, or Mote Marine Laboratory.

What should I do if I see a turtle nesting?

Stay behind the turtle and remain still. Keep quiet, don't touch the turtle, and don't take any photographs - the flash could confuse the turtle and stop her from laying her eggs. There's no need to call Sea Turtle Program staff unless the turtle appears to be in distress.

If you find hatchlings in parking lots or roadways or hatchlings that are lethargic, immediately call Mote Marine Laboratory (in Sarasota County) or the Florida Marine Patrol. Put rescued hatchlings into a bucket with a layer of sand at the bottom; cover the bucket with a towel. Do not put hatchlings in water.

Tracks which resemble those of tractor tires can be seen where the mother emerged from the ocean. The crawl continues to an area of disturbed sand, under which the nest is buried. From there, the crawl continues back into the ocean.

A typical adult loggerhead sea turtle weighs 200 to 350 pounds.

No, When sea turtle hatch, they are ready to crawl, swim, and face ocean life all on their own.

Approximately 100 eggs.

Only if the nest is in certain danger- for instance, if the nest will be washed out by a storm or high tide. We interfere as little as possible with the natural incubation and hatching process.

There are, on average 2,500 to 3,000 nests laid in this area each year.

Eggs hatch approximately two months after they are deposited. Incubation time can range from 43 to 75 days

Biologists estimate that only one out of 2,500 hatchlings will live to reach sexual maturity.

Nesting and hatching season lasts from May through October. Activities of adults as well as hatchlings usually take place between sunset and sunrise.

How do hatchlings know where to go when they hatch?

Hatchlings orient toward the brightest horizon and away from shadows. In a natural setting, this would be the horizon over the ocean.

A circular depression can often be seen in the area of sand above the nest, and the tiny tracks of the hatchlings are usually visible from them.

Does the temperature inside the nest affect the hatchlings?

Yes, Average incubation temperatures below 29ºC produce males, while those above 29º produce females.