For all of us at Caswell Beach Turtle Watch, and of course, our beach community, all sea turtles are extraordinary creatures. But as our Sea Turtle Patrol team can attest – every interaction – every crawl, every nest, every strand and every rescue illustrates a remarkable lesson of strength and perseverance.
Most days on morning patrol are exciting and joyful. Every nest or crawl located brings a sense of awe and respect for what mama sea turtles will do to achieve their nesting goal. Just seeing the day’s collection of crazy crawl tracks will bring a smile to one’s face.
But other days, and at any time, our work is more serious, especially when we get a strand or incidental catch call. Moments can matter. The assistance we get from the public is crucial to our success in aiding a distressed turtle, and we are grateful for all who call us. Oftentimes, we are too late to help. But many times, an injured but determined sea turtle surprises us and rewards us for our efforts.
Badges
An early morning call from a Turtle Ambassador walking the beach alerted us to a large, injured turtle. As our Patrol Team responded and assessed, it was clear she had multiple injuries and could not survive without medical attention. Nevertheless, at 200-plus pounds she fought hard to return to the ocean. It was a Herculean effort to bring her ashore. Thankfully, the Caswell Beach Police beach vehicle was nearby, and Chief Mike and colleague Patrick assisted. We named her “Badges” in their honor. A vehicle was on standby to take her to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital. In reviewing her wounds, she had bites to all four flippers and her torso, but she was responsive. Despite our efforts to get her care in time, she did not survive. These are the days that break our hearts, but we are so in awe of the fierce determination and fortitude we witness in these times.
Eclair
On a happier note, many of our rescues do have happy endings. With them, we know our efforts have made a difference and saved a sea turtle for a better day. Eclair’s journey is one of those. Earlier this season, we got a strand call about a debilitated turtle near the lifeguard at the East End. It was a Kemp’s Ridley qho was still feisty but had an injured flipper and Debilitated Turtle Syndrome (algae buildup and other yuck). Probably a cold stun that has been floating around a bit, but not as bad as some we have had. Eclair was transported to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital Rescue and Rehabilitation Center.
Today we received an update on Eclair. It was determined that a boat strike had almost severed her flipper, and that she swam around that way for quite some time. The wound was partially healed over despite the sever. It was determined that amputation would be the best course. We see many sea turtles successfully thrive (and nest!) with only three flippers. (See this week’s crawl pics below for a crawl example.) Eclair is now recuperating and re-learning to dive. She is expected to make a full recovery and will be released at some point in the near future.
By the way, every season a naming theme is chosen for stranded turtles. This season’s theme has been desserts! Fun!
Caswell Beach Nest Activity
As of today, we have 80 nests! We continue to have a very healthy nesting season, with numerous crawls and nests each day. Generally after the first week in July we see a decline starting, but we have yet to see that! Here are some highlights from our recent nests, including large claw marks from an unknown predator over a nest! We continue to receive wonderful support from our friends on the beach and appreciate the calls and the help!
ALERT: We have re-opened our Nest Adoptions (specific location requests not available). First come, first served!
**This conservation work for protected sea turtles on Caswell Beach is authorized by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (ES Permit 26ST03).
Please consider donating to our efforts as we build up our necessary resources for the season.
You can donate at Caswell Beach Turtle Watch Donations.
YOU CAN HELP! If you see a sea turtle mama coming onto the beach and and attempting to nest, please call our hotline immediately (910-368-6323) to notify us. During sea turtle season, we monitor 24/7. Please educate your family, friends, neighbors and especially – your renters. ALWAYS feel free to reach out to us if there is a concern, or you have questions. (All contact info is at the top of the page.)
PLEASE PRINT AND SHARE our Sea Turtle Info Sheet below. If you own a rental or are a renter, please post this for visitors to see. Greater education and understanding will lead to more happy and healthy sea turtles gracing our beaches. Every little bit helps!
