The Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles have begun their annual nesting season along the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world. Already this year, more than 65 nests have been found along the Texas coast and the eggs shipped to the incubation facility at Padre Island National Seashore outside of Corpus Christi. That means there will be plenty of hatchling releases at the national park from late May to July.
An extremely endangered species, the Kemp’s Ridley is the smallest of the sea turtles, but even so can still top out at around 2 feet long and around 100 pounds. Beginning at 12 years old, females lay two to three clutches of eggs in the dunes during the season.
The number of turtles has slowly rebounded after reaching a low point in 1985. From April to July, volunteers comb the beaches to rescue the eggs before they fall victim to predators. The phone number for beachgoers to report a nest is posted at most beach entrances.
One of the most awesome sights in nature is to see 100 3-inch-long baby sea turtles rushing into the surf at Padre Island National Seashore. The park has already projected at least 11 releases this summer. To find out when the hatchling release will take place, go to www.nps.gov/pais/naturescience/releases.htm or call the hotline at 361/949-7163 for exact dates.
This article appears in May 18 • 2012.
