Sea turtle nesting is a natural process vital for their survival. Understanding how to identify a sea turtle nest is important for conservation, as it helps protect these vulnerable sites from accidental disturbance. Observing the signs left by nesting females allows for responsible interaction with coastal environments and contributes to safeguarding sea turtle populations.
Where and When Sea Turtles Nest
Sea turtles seek quiet, sandy beaches with minimal light pollution for nesting, often above the high tide line. These marine reptiles exhibit natal homing, returning to the same beaches where they were born to lay their eggs. Nesting seasons vary geographically and by species, but in the U.S., it generally occurs from March through October, with peak activity between May and October.
Most sea turtle species are nocturnal nesters, coming ashore under the cover of darkness. This helps them avoid overheating and offers protection from predators. While most nest at night, some species, like the Kemp’s ridley, are known for mass nesting events called “arribadas,” where hundreds or thousands of females emerge during the day. Females may lay multiple nests, or clutches, during a single season, often returning to the beach every 10 to 15 days.
Key Indicators of a Nest
The most apparent indication of a sea turtle nest is the distinct tracks left by the female as she crawls from the ocean to the nesting site and back. These tracks are wide, often resembling tire tracks, but their pattern can vary by species; for instance, loggerheads leave alternating flipper strokes, while green sea turtles create symmetrical patterns.
Once at her chosen spot, the turtle begins by digging a large depression called a “body pit” using all four flippers, clearing away dry surface sand and creating a space for her body. After forming the body pit, she uses her rear flippers to excavate a narrower, vase-shaped “egg chamber” deep within the sand, typically 1 to 2 feet deep. After laying her clutch of 80 to 120 spherical, soft-shelled eggs, she meticulously covers the egg chamber using her rear flippers, compacting the sand. Finally, she uses her front flippers to scatter sand over a wide area, creating a characteristic mound of disturbed sand to camouflage the nest.
Distinguishing Nests from False Crawls
Sometimes, a sea turtle will come ashore but not lay eggs, a behavior known as a “false crawl.” This occurs when a turtle abandons her nesting attempt and returns to the ocean. The tracks from a false crawl will lead from the water to a point on the beach and then directly back to the water. However, a true nest will show evidence of significant sand disturbance, including a body pit and a distinct mound of sand covering the egg chamber.
In contrast, a false crawl will generally lack these features. There may be very little sand disturbed beyond the tracks, or an incomplete digging attempt without a fully excavated egg chamber or covered mound. Turtles may false crawl due to various factors, such as encountering obstacles like thick roots or debris, unsuitable sand conditions, excessive noise or light pollution, or human presence.
What to Do After Finding a Nest
Sea turtles and their nests are protected by state and federal laws. It is illegal to disturb the nest, tracks, or eggs. This protection extends to harassing, harming, or attempting to capture any marine turtle, nest, or eggs.
If you encounter a suspected sea turtle nest, avoid disturbing the area. Do not touch the tracks, the disturbed sand, or attempt to dig into the nest. Instead, contact local wildlife authorities, such as a park ranger, local conservation group, or the state’s wildlife commission. Provide them with the exact location of the nest, including any landmarks, and the time you observed it. This information allows trained professionals to assess the site, mark it for protection, and monitor its progress.