Topsail Sea Turtle Trip

For immediate release ‐ September 07, 2022

Contact: Micah Beasley, 919.707.9970. Images available upon request

Loggerhead Sea Turtle hatchlings flip-flop to the sea under moonlight

By Greg Skupien, Curator of the Naturalist Center

On Wednesday, August 10, staff and participants arrived on Topsail Beach on the Museum’s annual sea turtle trip. That evening we headed out to the beach and staked out our spots in front of a Loggerhead Sea Turtle nest that had been incubating for 63 days. The average incubation period for eggs in North Carolina is typically around 59 days. Chances were good that the nest would hatch soon.

Sometimes sick or injured turtles are found at sea, wash up on the beach, or are caught by fishermen. Fortunately, Surf City is home to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. The day after our amazing experience on the beach we toured the facility and heard from the Executive Director and a long-time volunteer. The efforts of their staff, volunteers, and all those we met on the beach are truly inspiring and filled us with a sense of hope and optimism for the future of sea turtles along our coast.


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