PAWLEYS ISLAND (SC) — Pawleys Island residents captured a rare sight when they saw a female “day-nester” sea turtle laying eggs and returning to the ocean, according to a post from the South Carolina United Turtle Enthusiasts (S.C.U.T.E.)
According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), sea turtles spend all of their life in salt water except when females lay their eggs.
Four types of sea turtles are commonly found in South Carolina.
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These are the Loggerheads (the most common), Kemp’s Ridleys (smallest and rarest), Green Sea Turtles (largest hard-shelled), and the Leatherbacks ( largest and widest ranging)
All of these species are protected by state and federal law, principally by the US Endangered Species Act of 1973, according to DNR.
As sea turtle nests become more frequent, DNR is asking residents to follow these precautions:
Report all injured or dead sea turtles to 1-800-922-5431.Never mess with a sea turtle, whether she is traveling to/from the ocean or while she’s nesting. Observe from a fair distance.Do not shine lights on a sea turtleTurn off all lights visible from the beach, dusk to dawn, from May to October.Leave the beach how you found it, fill in all human-made holes in the sand, and remove all your items. Never approach or touch a sea turtle. Comment with Bubbles
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You can follow sea turtle nests in real time here.