In one of our rare instances of animal predation, Caswell Beach Sea Turtle Nest #41 had been dug out by a fox (or a coyote) on the 28th day of incubation. 59 eggs were destroyed. The destroyed eggs were removed and the remaining eggs were re-covered with sand. We were not sure how the remaining eggs would do, but we are extremely pleased to announce that 48 out of 50 eggs HATCHED! The hatch percentage for that nest is still quite low at 48.2% because of the destroyed eggs, but we are happy for the success of the others!
It was a busy week with partial hatches, some bigger boils and several inventories. You can check our completed inventory results HERE. This list is the current and accurate source for sea turtle nests on Caswell Beach.
Despite adverse conditions we are pleased to have so many sucessful nests and NO lost or destroyed nests.
Recently we have had reports of several visitors shining white flashlights on nests!
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do not shine any lights (flashlights, cellphone lights, red lights, camera flash) directly on or beside a nest or on a hatchling! Lights can temportarily cause hatchlings to not be able to see. Think of how your own eyes react when a bright light is shined in your eyes. Hatchlings need the dark so they can find the line of horizon over the ocean. That is the direction they need to go to reach the Sargasso Sea. THANK YOU!
**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.
See our Latest Nest Inventory Results.
Nest #34
Nest #35
Nest #38
Nest #40
Nest #41 – Fox Predation
Nest #44
