Sea Turtle Release

While on Ocracoke Island for the NCCAT professional development seminar I was able to witness the National Park Service rangers release hatched baby turtles into the Atlantic Ocean.  Fourteen loggerhead turtles were captured when they were caught attempting to head out to sea this morning.  Turtles have a better chance of survival if they make the voyage after the sun sets; so they were captured and released later in the evening after the sun had gone down.  Do you know what time the sun sets in the summertime? Do you think the time of sunset is different for the mountains and the beach?

We were invited to watch this release into the ocean.  I have included some photos and a video for you to enjoy.

Everyone got excited when the National Park Service rangers arrived with the turtles.  What can you infer about why they keep the turtles in a cooler?

The loggerhead turtles were very eager to track out to sea.  I am so glad I was able to see these turtles forge their way to sea.  I can't wait to share with you all I have learned about North Carolina's most predominant sea turtle.  Did you know that these turtles can grow to be upwards of 350 pounds and some can even measure four feet long? That's taller than most of you!

Ms. Ballard was in a great location for the release and took this video.  She gave me permission to share  it with you.