There are five species of sea turtles that frequent the water around Florida, and three of them nest on Deerfield Beach. The common Deerfield Beach species are the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), the leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), and the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas). Sea turtles a thought to live up to 80 years in the wild, and range from 30 inches long and 80-100 lbs. to eight feet long and up to 2,000 lbs. The leatherback sea turtle is the largest of all living turtles.
These creatures are most commonly found in warm and temperate waters around the world and have been known to travel hundreds and sometimes more than a thousand miles between their nesting beaches and feeding grounds. Some sea turtles consume meat like crabs, shrimp, and snails; while others prefer plants like algae and seaweed.
Sea turtle nesting seasons vary slightly depending on the species, but range from early March through the end of October. Nests are typically marked with orange tape and small wood posts in a triangular shape. It is important to understand how beachgoers impact sea turtles on the beach and work to minimize that.
Learn more about sea turtle nesting in Broward County.