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First sea turtle hatch of the season on Pensacola Beach


Sea turtle hatchlings must find their way from their nest to the Gulf, avoiding both predators and obstacles like abandoned toys and chairs. (Photo: Escambia County)
Sea turtle hatchlings must find their way from their nest to the Gulf, avoiding both predators and obstacles like abandoned toys and chairs. (Photo: Escambia County)
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Dozens of newly hatched sea turtles bubbled up from their nest and made their way to the Gulf of Mexico Sunday night.

Their mother, a threatened loggerhead, dragged herself above the waterline on Pensacola Beach around two months earlier to lay 129 eggs.

It's up to the tiny hatchlings to find their own way from their nest to the water.

A short walk for a person is a marathon for the little turtles.

They may lose their way, if they're distracted by bright lights from homes, cars, or businesses. Even a flashlight beam can turn them away from their goal.

Their journey may be hampered by abandoned chairs, toys, or other detritus cluttering the sand.

Holes dug by people or animals become dangerous pits.

The hatchlings may also become prey for birds, stray dogs, or coyotes.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), loggerheads are one of five species of sea turtle that lay nests on Florida beaches.

All are threatened or endangered.

More sea turtle nests will hatch over the next two months.

Escambia County sea turtle patrols have tallied 17 nests on Pensacola Beach this season, and new nests may still be laid this month.

Fifteen of the nests are loggerheads and two are Kemp's Ridleys.

Nine additional loggerhead nests were laid on the beaches of Perdido Key.

Escambia County is reminding beachgoers of the actions you can take to protect give the hatchlings a safe start in life.

  • Lights Out: Turn off bright lights or use red bulbs or light covers during nesting season, between May and October. Red lights will not disorient the turtles.
  • Leave No Trace: Take all toys, chairs, trash, and other items with you when you leave the beach. Fill in any holes or pits in the sand.
  • Stow It, Don't Throw It: Dispose of all food waste responsibly. Leaving it on the beach attracts predators that will kill or injure the hatchlings.

If you see a sea turtle nest hatching or notice the small turtles heading for the water, you are very lucky.

For the safety of the turtles, Escambia County asks you to stay a "respectful distance" away, and notify Escambia County Marine Resources at 850- 426-1257.

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