Loggerhead Sea Turtle
Scientific Name: Caretta caretta
Named for the appearance of their massive heads, Loggerhead sea turtles are very stocky reptiles, reaching lengths of 32-41inches and weights of 146-223lbs. They are found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide and prefer to stay in coastal bays.
Sporting reddish-brown shells and yellow to brown skin, Loggerhead sea turtles are generally solitary animals. They feed primarily on crabs, shrimp, mollusks, jellyfish and sponges, and they have very powerful, grinding jaws.
Fun Facts:
- During breeding season, females mate at sea and then come ashore at night to nest. They generally lay 105-120 eggs at a time, and they bury these "clutches" of eggs under the soft sand.
- The hatchlings sometimes head for lights from houses and streetlights instead of for the ocean, and they are often killed by automobiles.
- Loggerhead sea turtles are listed as "threatened" on the Endangered Species List because the light from newly constructed beachside developments often disorients newly hatched turtles.
- In addition, Loggerhead sea turtle hides are popular on the black market-where they are used to make leather products like boots, wallets and purses.
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