Today I saw a great article about Loggerhead Turtles. The S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Marine Turtle Conservation Program is starting to see these awesome animals coming to shore to build nest along the South Carolina Coast! Nesting season for loggerheads is May through August with babies hatching through October.
We know that all sea turtles have had a really tough year since the Gulf oil spill so, it will be interesting to see how many come in to nest and how the nest produce. In South Carolina they seem to be pretty good at keeping track of the number of nest, clutch size, and egg success. They also use DNA to track individual turtles nesting.
Now if you go to the article Loggerhead nesting now under way in South Carolina, you can find links to their tracking and monitoring of nest in Georgia and the Carolinas, a database list of how many sea turtles have been stranded, and the DNA studies they are using.
You will also see some handy tips for residents and visitors along the beach. Some simple things that all beach goers can do to help the turtles have a successful nesting season. These things may seem like common sense if you have been around the turtle nesting beaches but, it is still a good reminder and a must read for visitors.
They also have a link to a very cool project that beach residents participate in called Lights Out For Loggerheads. Yes, they ask people along the beach areas to help loggerheads by keeping out artificial lights. The lights can mislead the turtles that are coming to nest and the baby turtles as they try to make their way. This is no joke…they have some hefty fines for violating the ordinances. In fact federal fines for harming a threatened or endangered species can reach $25,000. If you are even thinking about going down to get a loggerhead for a pet…I suggest you think twice. People love their wildlife and are very protective of the sea turtles. If you love these animals you would be much better off just getting yourself a stuffed animal. It sure would be cheaper than paying the fines when you get caught messing with an endangered species.
If you are a teacher or just someone who would love to find a great way to help kids learn about these cool turtles, you can get a Lifelike Stuffed Loggerhead Puppet. The more kids know and understand about these animals, the more likely they are to spread the word to their friends and family. It takes a lot of people to save an endangered species.