Florida wildlife officials are warning beachgoers to watch out for sea turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs.Loggerhead, leatherback and green sea turtles regularly nest on Florida beaches from March through October. All three are federally protected species.
(Please see video of green sea turtle laying her eggs in video at end of post.)
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| Green sea turtle |
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials warn beachgoers to leave the turtles and their nests alone.
Sea turtle eggs typically incubate for 45 to 60 days, and the vulnerable hatchlings will emerge through November.
Officials urge people to turn off or shield outdoor lights that face the ocean, because the artificial lights can disorient hatchlings heading toward the water.
The commission says 2011 was an exceptional year for sea turtles in Florida, with a record number of green turtle nests and a high number of leatherback turtle nests.
Sea turtle eggs typically incubate for 45 to 60 days, and the vulnerable hatchlings will emerge through November.
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| Bella and Britt guiding loggerhead turtles safely to sea |
The commission says 2011 was an exceptional year for sea turtles in Florida, with a record number of green turtle nests and a high number of leatherback turtle nests.
