Surprise Visitor – Kemp’s Ridley!

Caswell Beach had a surprise visit this Memorial Day from a Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle yesterday afternoon!  The Sullivan family called at 4:05 pm saying a mama turtle wanted to join them in their beach tent!  Sullivan family, THANK YOU FOR CALLING! We responded within 10 minutes.  From start to finish the process only took about 35 minutes. We were happy that many beach visitors were able to respectfully observe!


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The eggs were very difficult to find even though we saw her digging, laying and covering up! As permit holders were able to collect data, but she did not have any tags on her flippers.

The nest was relocated because she laid right at the high tideline. The bottom of the nest had very wet sand.  Kemp’s are critically endangered, so we made sure her 119 eggs were placed in a safe place near the dune! This is our 4th Kemp’s nest in the history of Caswell Beach’s Sea Turtle data.

© 2024, Caswell Beach Turtle Watch, reuse without permission strictly prohibited.

We also had a Loggerhead nest yesterday morning. That mama chose a very nice dune for her babies! So that puts us at 9 nests!

**This conservation work for protected sea turtles on Caswell Beach is authorized by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (ES Permit 24ST03).

Want to help? Please consider donating to our efforts to protect sea turtles at Caswell Beach Turtle Watch Donations.