Remarkable Discovery on the Outer Banks: Two Leatherback Sea Turtle Nests Found!
In a delightful turn of events for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina has recently played host to a rare and exciting discovery. For the very first time recorded, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore has reported not just one, but two leatherback sea turtle nests in a single nesting season! This rare occurrence was announced on July 1, and it’s sparking joy across the region.
A Stellar Record
Now, why is this such big news? Well, leatherbacks are no ordinary turtles! They are the largest turtles in the world, with weights averaging between 750 to 1,000 pounds and lengths ranging from an impressive 5 to 6 feet. With this discovery, we can put our hands together for the amazing resilience of nature and the joyful sights of East Coast beaches!
To put things into perspective, in the last two decades, only a handful of leatherbacks have decided to lay their eggs at this national seashore, which is regarded as the “extreme northern limit for nesting.” This year’s sightings truly feel like a nature miracle, especially since just last year, only a solitary leatherback spread its flippers and laid eggs here, which, thankfully, hatched successfully. It appears that the allure of the Outer Banks is pulling these magnificent creatures northward.
When and Where
The first nest appeared on June 19 in Avon, followed by the second one discovered on June 26 on Ocracoke Island. The excitement of finding nests so close together has drawn attention from both local residents and visitors alike. Interestingly, it’s believed that the same female turtle might be responsible for both nests, given that these incredible creatures typically lay eggs about every 10 days.
Taking Care of Our Friends
As wildlife experts observed the nests, they made sure to keep a close eye on the conditions. In fact, one of the nests was at risk of being washed over by ocean water, so the team took the necessary steps to relocate the eggs to ensure their safety. Such dedication to wildlife conservation is truly heartwarming!
Understanding Our Ocean Guests
Now, let’s delve a little deeper into what makes leatherbacks so special. Unlike most turtles, they don’t have scales or a hard shell, which gives their backs a unique rubbery texture. This fascinating feature is just one element of their charm. Additionally, leatherbacks are equipped with jaws that are not particularly strong, limiting their diet primarily to jellyfish—an abundant food source in the oceans.
In contrast, the Outer Banks plays host to various species of turtles, with loggerheads being the most common. This year alone, the park has documented nests from 134 loggerheads, along with two green turtles, a couple of leatherbacks, and even a rare Kemp’s ridley turtle!
Exciting Future
As we all await the hatching of the little turtle hatchlings, which is expected to occur in about 60 days, it’s hard not to feel the excitement in the air. Once the tiny turtles—measuring just 2 to 3 inches—make their way to the ocean, they will embark on their own incredible journey as part of a thriving marine ecosystem.
There’s something undeniably magical about these remarkable discoveries on the Outer Banks, and it reminds us of the rich tapestry of life that exists right beneath our noses. Let’s continue to cherish and protect our ocean friends so that we can witness even more wondrous events like these in the future!
