What are Loggerhead Sea Turtles?
The Loggerhead Sea Turtle is one of the most common to nest in the United States. From late March to early June, these turtles mate, though nesting season reaches its peak in June and July when the females lay anywhere from 70 to 150 eggs at a time. They require soft sandy beaches and little light. After a period of about 60 days, the baby turtles emerge and make their way to the water. This is typically done at night when threats from predators are less, but because these turtles typically follow the brightest light to the water’s edge, artificial lights from humans have been known to lead them off their path. Edisto Beach is widely known as a choice nesting ground for these turtles. For this reason, visitors are asked to restrict their use of bright lights (porch lights, for example) during prime nesting season.
