Not all Turtles Make It.

Must say we really do need a new Jeep!

Glorious morning for turtle patrol after heavy rains last night (packs down the beach sand). Nothing to report as the loggerhead nesting season is winding down and we await the hatching of our few remaining nests that didn't get washed out. Green turtle nesting still underway so rare here, but possible.

Hubby was out on boat patrol around Shell Key and spotted a dead turtle floating in the surf - it appears she was hit by a boat; this happens all too frequently.  Data on this turtle is collected and reported to the Florida Wildlife Commission.

One of the washed over nests was predated this morning by a ghost crab - yes I saw him, but just missed him with the camera.  He burrowed into the nest, found a tasty turtle egg to drag out and eat. This nest had no real chance of hatching as it was underwater in the recent storms for several days, so here is Mother Nature at work in the food chain.  We buried the egg in the sand (re-nourishment) and it really does feel like the plastic coffee creamers you get in a restaurant.

A very neat round hole made by the ghost crab
turtle egg on the right

If you come across a dead or injured turtle on the beach, do not touch it, call the FWC 24 hour hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) or text Tip@MyFWC.com