Baby sea turtles arrive in Georgia: First hatchlings reported on local beach

Yahoo

03-07-2025

Is watching baby sea turtles crawl across the beach on your bucket list? Your window of opportunity is here.
On Wednesday, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center reported the state's first hatchlings of the season at their "Nest No. 1" on Jekyll Island with tracks in the sand nearby. The spot was also the first nest of the season and is marked by a sign with its number and its identification as a loggerhead nesting area.
Georgia Department of Natural Resources says only five species of sea turtles can be found in Georgia's waters, with loggerheads being the only one to nest regularly on islands like Jekyll, Sea, Sapelo, and Ossabaw.
The other four species (hawksbill, Kemp's ridley, green, and leatherback), prefer more tropical nesting locales, but use our coast for food, shelter, and a travel corridor. All five are protected.
Thousands of loggerhead nests are found in the Peach State every year, according to Georgia Wildlife. Last year there were 2,490.
A loggerhead may lay up to six clutches per nesting season with each clutch consisting of 100-150 eggs.
Don't disturb turtles or their nest.
Once a turtle has begun nesting, observe her only from a distance. Don't crowd her.
Don't shine lights in a sea turtle's eyes or take flash photography.
Never disturb a sea turtle that is crawling to or from the sea.
Report a sighting by calling the Georgia Department of Natural Resources at [phone] or the Georgia Sea Turtle Center at [phone].
In addition to donating to conservations efforts, experts shared some steps you can take:
Level the sand of your beach area―fill holes and stomp down sandcastles before you head home from a beach day because holes can trap turtles and mounds can deter them from nesting.
Place trash in designated bins, especially plastics such as straws, bottles, and broken beach toys which can all make their way into the water and be consumed by all manner of sea life.
While boating, be mindful of speed along the coastline as turtles are harder to spot than dolphins or pelicans.
While fishing in the ocean, know that a bated hook may attract turtles and can snag them. Call DNR if this happens as hook removal could require a turtle being taken to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center provides education and rehabilitation to sea turtles including interactive exhibits as well as year-round indoor and outdoor programs for all ages.
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is located on Jekyll Island at 214 Stable Rd.
Admission to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center is $10 for ages 4-12 and $12 for older guests. You can buy tickets at jekyllisland.com/activities/georgia-sea-turtle-center/#center.
Joseph Schwartzburt of Savannah Morning News contributed to this article.
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at [e-mail].
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Georgia Sea Turtle Center confirms first hatchlings of 2025