The Loggerhead Sea Turtle is South Carolina’s state reptile. Loggerheads feed on mollusks, crustaceans, fish, and other marine animals, which they crush with their large and powerful jaw. As with other sea turtles, females return to lay their eggs on or near the same beach where they hatched. Many Loggerhead turtles can be seen laying eggs or hatching on Pawleys Island. Due to conservation efforts beachfront home owners on Pawleys Island are urged to turn their lights off at night, during mating and hatching season as not to disorient the endangered sea turtles. Unlike other sea turtles, courtship and mating usually do not take place near the nesting beach, but rather along the migration routes between feeding and breeding grounds.
Many lucky visitors and residents of Pawleys Island are able to witness turtle hatchlings enter the water for the first time. If you see a hatchling do not attempt to assist it by moving it to the water’s edge. They need that travel to warm their muscles for the long journey ahead. If you really want to assist just quietly follow and prevent any birds or crabs from grabbing it before it can get to the water.
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