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 Sea turtle nests are located approximately 18 inches below the surface, and are generally found above the high tide line on the dry beach and sometimes up into the dune vegetation. Eggs and nests must remain undisturbed in the warm sand for 47 to 60 days before the eggs hatch. Eggs in the nest can hatch as early as May; however, the majority of hatching occurs in July through September and continues through October. The sea turtle hatchlings usually emerge from their nests as a group at night. In a natural situation, they crawl down the beach to the water where they must swim for many hours to reach the open sea. In urban areas of Palm Beach County, artificial lights on the beach and near the coastline can confuse the hatchlings making it difficult for them to find the ocean. When this happens many of the hatchlings die from exhaustion, dehydration and predators. |
 
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 CoastalResources |
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Lakes,
Estuaries and Lagoons |
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Mosquito Control |
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Natural Areas |
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Permitting Regulation |
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Construction Contracts |
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