TURTLE TRACKS: Turtle facts you might not know
Did you know that temperature has a big impact on sea turtle hatchlings? The time it takes for hatchlings to hatch is dependent partly on the temperature of the sand. Sea turtles are born without sex chromosomes, so the temperature of the eggs determines whether the hatchlings are males or females.
Warmer temperatures result in female turtles, while males hatch from colder eggs. Rising temperatures pose a risk to sea turtle populations because more females would hatch, making it difficult to find a mate.
During hatchling season, it is extremely important that the turtle hatchlings find the ocean on their own, as this process lets them imprint on the beach. This imprinting is critical when the females, once they have matured, return to the beaches they hatched from to lay eggs. As tempting as it may be to help a struggling hatchling, you must allow them to move on their own. Touching sea turtles is both illegal federally and in the state of Florida. If you happen to encounter a hatchling out on the beach, please do not pick it up. Call BGSTA at 999-7177. Hatchling season officially ends on the 31st of October.
