Loggerhead Hatchlings Reach the Sea

Last week, the Loggerhead turtle nesting season along the coast of the southeastern United States came to a close. Thousands of hatchlings made their way to the sea with help from US Interior (@usinterior) staff and volunteers who donated thousands of hours to help save the turtles. During migration from nest to sea, the hatchlings face attacks from raccoons, crabs, toads, lizards, snakes and seabirds. Once in the ocean, more predators wait for them, including parrotfish, moray eels and portunid crabs.

Mortality rates of nearly 100% of all clutches laid in a season have been recorded on some Florida beaches. Efforts to protect nests by covering them with wire mesh has significantly reduced the impact of predation on loggerhead eggs.

To see more photos of the Loggerhead migration, visit the hashtag #Loggerhead.