The eggs and nests must remain undisturbed in the warm sand for 47 to 60 days before they hatch. The 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.
Early nests will begin to hatch in May with the majority of hatching occurring in July through September, continuing on through October. The hatchling sea turtles usually emerge from their nests at night and as a group. 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 the 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.
Coastal Resources
