Facts About the Loggerhead Sea Turtle in New Smyrna Beach

The Loggerhead Sea Turtles of New Smyrna Beach are endangered and one of the most highly protected species in the entire state of Florida, aside from the dwindling Florida panther. These sea turtles are laying eggs in May, and continue through the summer months. They nest in the sand, and when the eggs hatch, the baby turtles instinctively make their way to the ocean.

It really is a sight to behold when hatched, and during their nesting time, their designated areas will be roped off along the beach to protect these delicate, endangered creatures inside fragile, tiny shells. When they do hatch, it is mostly in the evening, but many people have been able to observe them, from a distance during the twilight hours, trekking out to sea.

In the past, and even recently, disgusting actions by humans have enforced stricter laws against anyone trying to steal the Loggerhead baby turtle eggs from their mounds, resulting in steep fines, and even possible jail time.

The turtle mounds extend from New Smyrna Beach to Canaveral Seashore Park, which is south of New Smyrna, at the end of the beach side. Loggerhead's are considered the norm for these parts, with other species observed at South Florida beaches, in warmer sand climates. In the cooler sandy areas, such as New Smyrna, compared to South Florida, the eggs are in hibernation mode till it is time to hatch. These creatures are wondrous, intelligent, instinctive and age well, if they do not come into contact with a type of turtle disease acquired in the ocean, one that causes tumors to form on their eyes and outer shell extremities. The turtle disease can affect all the Florida turtle species, mainly the green sea turtles. If these and other turtles are found in time, they are often tracked, and can be rehabilitated, if the disease isn't too progressive. The Marine Science Center in New Smyrna Beach does turtle rehabilitation, for various turtles in distress.

It is imperative that the laws be upheld by humans to tread lightly around the turtles protected areas, for they are delicate. Once the Loggerheads are hatched and make their way to the ocean, they follow the current, and head for more tropical waters. They are like the salmon, they are determined to make it, no matter what the cost. Some have gotten trapped in fishing nets, but more laws against certain inescapable nets are in effect, and hopefully with human beings appreciating other species, these animals can get the chance to accomplish their travels to and through the sea.

If I may interject a personal experience, I once spotted a giant Loggerhead, about fifty inches in length up close in the Indian River, from the Riverside Park pier. I heard something emerge from the water, looked, and saw this beautiful giant Loggerhead turtle surface, look at me and take a breath. It was so close, I could hear it breath in, and see the expression on its face. It may have been a rehabilitated turtle from the science center free at last, but one couldn't deny this turtle's enigmatic presence, its joy and God-given right to life.

Sources:
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
http://research.myfwc.com