Loggerhead sea turtles are the most widespread sea turtle species in the world, and the most abundant of all sea turtle species in the United States. You can recognize them by their reddish-brown carapace (upper shell), yellow underbelly and their strong jaws that they use to crunch through the hard shells of crustaceans and mollusks. The mouth of the loggerhead sea turtle is actually where they get their name! Some people think their massive head is as big and sturdy as a log.

Loggerhead sea turtles are a long-lived species and don’t reach sexual maturity until they’re 35 years old. When they’re old enough, loggerhead sea turtles will mate in coastal regions about every two or three years, and then make a massive migration to lay their eggs. Loggerhead sea turtles make their way back to the exact beach where they were born, also known as our “natal” beach. Loggerhead sea turtles climb onto the beach at night to lay four clutches of over 100 eggs each, and then head back to the ocean. Their eggs are vulnerable to predators and environmental factors. For example, the sex of their offspring is actually dependent on temperature! Warmer conditions will result in mostly female hatchlings, and cooler conditions will lead to more males.