Leatherback Sea Turtles Hatch at Saline

KevinS

Senior Insider
From the Réserve Naturelle on FB, loosely translated:

The Leatherback Turtles of Saline

56 days after they were laid on Saline Beach, 42 turtles out of 64 eggs went to sea tonight, and one little latecomer this afternoon. Thanks to the volunteers for their vigilance, and for helping us to excavate the nest.

Small eggs, but with a good success rate.

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Wow, awesome pics, Kevin...thanks for sharing. Always cool to see these pics. The volunteers are doing very important work. Thanks to them all for their efforts and a job well done!
 
Per the response to a question on FB, the 21 eggs which did not hatch were not fertilized. Apparently they think that 2 out of 3 eggs hatching is a good ratio.
 
We are glad they are so well protected. In Longboat Key, Fl., the laws and fines are serious for interfering with turtle nests and hatchlings.
 
We have a stream running through our back yard. Discovered a big snapping turtle. He turned out to be a she and was laying eggs. We did our best to place a perimeter of protection around the area as there are foxes, coyotes, snakes, birds of prey, raccoons etc. that would enjoy the eggs and hatchlings.
 
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