Threats on land

---

Hatchlings usually emerge in the cooler dark of night to scramble across the sand to the ocean.  They face many difficulties. 

Temperature:  If they come out during the day and have to crawl across the hot sand the hot temperatures can be lethal (kill them).  

Visibility:  In the dark they are not as easily spotted by predators that may be waiting for a handy meal. 

Predation:  Many other creatures might eat the hatchlings, including several bird species, raccoons, coyotes, armadillos, ghost crabs, snakes, and even fire ants. 

Please don’t leave food scraps or wrappings to litter the beach and attract predators.  If the collection bins are full, please take these home to discard. 

poster:  Sea Turtle Conservancy