Sea turtles embark on a journey to coastal shores for reproduction. The Outer Banks of North Carolina provides a significant nesting habitat for several species, particularly the loggerhead sea turtle.
The Hatching Season in the Outer Banks
The sea turtle nesting season in the Outer Banks typically spans from mid-May through September, during which female turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. Following an incubation period of 45 to 70 days, the hatching season primarily occurs in late summer and early fall. Activity peaks in September, with hatchlings continuing to emerge into October.
Hatching primarily takes place at night, a natural adaptation that helps hatchlings avoid daytime predators and the extreme heat of the sun-baked sand. The temperature of the sand plays a significant role in the timing of hatching and also influences the sex of the developing turtles.
The Hatching Process
Within the sandy nest, sea turtle hatchlings begin their emergence by using a temporary, sharp projection on their snout called a “caruncle” to break free from their eggshells. Once out of their individual shells, the small turtles collectively dig their way to the surface, a process that can take several days as they move and rest together. This synchronized effort, often described as a “boil” when they erupt from the sand, helps them overcome the weight of the sand above.
Upon reaching the surface, usually under the cover of darkness, hatchlings instinctively orient themselves toward the brightest horizon, which is typically the reflection of the moon and stars on the ocean. Their journey from the nest to the water is fraught with immediate challenges, including dehydration, exhaustion, and predators like ghost crabs and birds; only a small fraction of hatchlings are estimated to survive to adulthood.
Protecting Hatchlings and Nests
Visitors to the Outer Banks play a role in supporting the survival of sea turtle nests and hatchlings. Maintain distance from marked nests, which are typically roped off and identified with signs; disturbing these protected areas or approaching nesting turtles and hatchlings can disrupt their natural behaviors.
Artificial lights on the beach at night, including flashlights, cell phone screens, and beachfront property lights, can disorient hatchlings, causing them to crawl away from the ocean and towards potential dangers. Filling in any large holes dug on the beach and removing all beach equipment, such as chairs and umbrellas, before leaving for the day helps ensure a clear path for emerging hatchlings. If an injured sea turtle or an unmarked nest is discovered, report the sighting to local authorities or conservation groups, allowing trained professionals to intervene.