Q: What kind of turtles?
A: Mostly loggerheads (Caretta caretta); “northern sub-species” that nests in Georgia, SC, NC; genetically distinct from “southern” (Florida) species; population #s much smaller than southern. In 2003, Folly had one leatherback nest that produced 67 leatherback hatchlings. It was only the 3d leatherback nest ever recorded in SC.

Q: When do they nest?
A: About mid-May (sometimes earlier) until about mid-August (sometimes later)

Q: How big are they?
A: About 3’ long and almost as wide; 250-300 pounds

Q: How do they make the nest?
A: They dig with their back flippers

Q: How long does it take?
A: About 30-45 minutes just to dig; another 30-45 minutes to emerge from ocean, find suitable nest site, and return to ocean.

Q: How deep are the eggs?
A: Bottom of the nest is typically about 18” -- as deep as the turtle’s back flipper can reach -- but topmost eggs can be only 8-10” from surface.

Q: How many eggs per nest?
A: Multi-year average for northern sub-species is 126.

Q: How long until hatching?
A: 45 - 65 days; Folly’s average last year = 56 days

Q: The mother doesn’t come back?!
A: That’s right.

Q: Why are you moving the eggs?
A: To protect them from water (tide inundation/ erosion)

Q: What can harm the eggs?
A: Too much heat, too much water, bacteria & nest diggers (roots, ants, sand crabs, racoons, dogs, people)

Q: What can harm the hatchlings?
A: Too much heat, too much water before leaving the nest, artificial lighting, ants, ghost crabs, dogs, birds, fish, people

Q: What can harm the adult turtles?
A: Sharks, boats/ships, fishing nets & lines, trash & pollutants, diseases, obstructions on beach, people

Q: Does the use of TEDs reduce turtle deaths?
A: YES!

Q: When can I see a turtle nesting or a nest hatching?
A: Very rarely. Both usually take place at night and according to turtle time. To feel safe, the nesting turtles need a NATURAL habitat (dark, quiet, motionless). To have the best chance, the hatchlings need NATURAL lighting & no obstructions between the nest and the ocean.

Q: How can I find out more?
A: For more information about turtle nesting on Folly, e-mail your questions to the crew. For more information about loggerheads and other sea turtles, visit Links.