2 leatherback sea turtle nests found along Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Leatherbacks are the largest sea turtle species living today, but are considered endangered.
CAPE HATTERAS, N.C. (WBTV) - Multiple leatherback sea turtle nests have been located along Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina for the first time in recorded history.
Seashore officials said two leatherback turtles nested there, one in Avon and the other on Ocracoke Island. Both were discovered in June.
Officials said female leatherbacks typically lay up to eight clutches per year, usually about 10 days apart. The two nests were found exactly one week apart, leading officials to believe the same turtle may have laid both nests.
In 2023, one leatherback nest was found on the Cape Hatteras beaches. Those turtles successfully hatched.
One of the nests found in June had to be moved to a new location because it was laid in an area prone to ocean overwash.
According to PBS, only 53 leatherback nests were found in 2023. Meanwhile, more than 1,600 loggerheads nests were discovered.
Leatherbacks are the largest sea turtle species living today, but are considered endangered at both the state and federal level.
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