PENSACOLA BEACH, Fla. — Some beachgoers in Pensacola on Saturday got a rare sighting of a Kemp’s ridley sea turtle.
The female turtle was looking where to lay her eggs but did not succeed. According to the Escambia County Natural Resources Management, this is called a “false crawl.”
“Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are the only species of sea turtles that nest during the day and she will attempt to lay her eggs again,” Escambia County Natural Resources Management said. “After multiple false crawls the sea turtle will drop her eggs in the ocean to make room for another clutch of eggs to develop.”
Multiple nests are laid by sea turtles per nesting season. Sea turtles are said to average about 3-5 nests per turtle.
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“If you see a nesting turtle contact (850)281-5904 immediately and create a safe distance for the turtle to lay her eggs. If you encounter a sea turtle at night, turn off all lights and retreat a safe distance away,” said Escambia County Natural Resources Management. “Dead or injured sea turtles should be reported to Escambia County Marine Resources at (850) 281-5904 or the FWC Wildlife Alert line at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).”