You are here

Nesting Green Sea Turtle Apparently Run Over At Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Share
Sea turtle tracks, Cape Hatteras National Seashore/NPS

A nesting Green sea turtle had to put down after apparently being run over while laying its eggs/NPS file photo of sea turtle tracks on the beach

A Green sea turtle that came ashore at Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina to nest apparently was run over during the night, sustaining injuries so severe that Park Service biologists had to euthanize the turtle, a threatened species.

The incident occurred on a beach approximately 0.66 miles north of Ramp 32 in an area open to off-road vehicle travel, a park release said. The turtle is thought to have come onto the beach sometime in Saturday evening or night to lay a nest, the agency said, and it was found Sunday morning.

"Turtle tracks led from the ocean to the nesting site approximately 20 feet above the high tide line in an off-road vehicle travel area. The turtle had begun to lay eggs into a nest dug into the sand when it is believed, based on significant evidence found at the scene, that a motor vehicle struck and ran over the nesting turtle. The incident was not reported by the involved party," the release added.

"The injuries to the sea turtle were so severe that the turtle had to be euthanized by National Park Service staff. Nine sea turtle eggs were found immediately adjacent to the injured turtle. Biological technicians working at the scene were able to salvage an additional 172 eggs, which were deposited in a nest site nearby in hope that these eggs will eventually hatch in a natural state."

Ramp 32, known as Little Kinnakeet, was opened last year as part of the Park Service's commitment to increase beach access under the Seashore's ORV Management Plan. It is near Avon, North Carolina.

Cape Hatteras rangers were working with federal, state, and local authorities to investigate the incident. Anyone with information that may help determine the circumstances and events that led to the severe injuries of this sea turtle are asked to contact the Dare County Community Crimeline, at 252-473-3111 or 800-745-2746.

"This is a tragic and unfortunate incident. We ask that all people utilize caution and look carefully for nesting wildlife when enjoying the Seashore's beaches," said Cape Hatteras Superintendent David Hallac.

Visitors to Cape Hatteras National Seashore are reminded that sea turtles, while predominately nesting during nighttime hours, may be present on Seashore beaches at any hour of the day. The maximum speed limit in off-road vehicle areas is 15 miles per hour. Nighttime driving restrictions are in place during summer months to protect nesting sea turtles. All off-road vehicles must be off of Seashore beaches no later than 9 p.m.

Coincidentally, the Seashore currently is proposing a change in its off-road vehicle regulations that would allow motorists longer driving time on the beaches and allow one route to be driven without need for a permit, but it's on the sound side of the national seashore, not in a sea turtle nesting area.

Comments

Once again, we find the Park Superintendency including the Law Enforcement Chief have little Respect for Biological Resources with Obvious Bias toward increasing tourism, at any cost.

At Redwood NP, it was only after one of the field biologists discovered redwood burl poaching and the story appeared in the news that the Chief Ranger was motivated to close the Prairie Creek State Park Corridor at night as though chainsaw noises buzzing at midnight were absored by the quiet forest.  Redwood burl poaching has been an annual event at RNP since its 1968 founding.


m13cli, thank you I must agree. It is understandable that citizens enjoy the beach driving, however protecting the turtles should be the priority at least in my view.   


ORV's have no place on a National Seashore, National Park or National Forest.  Just because there is a demand for it from a vocal minority doesn't make it any more right than demands from mineral, oil or timber to use a national treasure and always at the expense of the treasure itself. We have a National designation and still can't do the right thing to protect it. Between urban sprawl, "wreckreationalists" and the other onslaughts on our natural resources and natural areas, I fear for the future for our children. 


Agree Dande,


Ramp 32, known as Little Kinnakeet, was opened last year as part of the Park Service's commitment to increase beach access under the Seashore's ORV Management Plan

This is not correct, the NPS has been forced by Congress to increase access from its ridiculous plan implemented in 2012. Where did the NPT Staff come up with this bull? Ramp 32 was created because they stupidly closed ramp 34, a waste of money and only meant to hurt local businesses. 

The turtle accident happened at night when ORV is NOT permitted during this time of year. This was not a recreationalist but instead a criminal. 


I'm certain, dumb, that the only reason the park closed an access point was specifically to hurt local businesses. As you say.

 

Of COURSE, it was a criminal. When you and all y'all's four wheelin' cowboys get together for your morning coffee and grits, feel free to point out the visible diffences between the recreationalists and the criminals.


It's entirely possible it could have been a NPS LEO as they are only ones driving vehicles I see on the beach at night. I wonder if they collected evidence of the tire tracks, if they didn't we'll have to wonder...

 


Unless and until you bring forward your evidence of an NPS LEO culprit, that will remain in the realm of your tin foil helmet conspiracies.


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

The Essential RVing Guide

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

The National Parks RVing Guide, aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks, is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. It's available for free for both iPhones and Android models.

This app is packed with RVing specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 parks.

You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. A bonus that wasn't in the previous eBook or PDF versions of this guide are feeds of Traveler content: you'll find our latest stories as well as our most recent podcasts just a click away.

So whether you have an iPhone or an Android, download this app and start exploring the campgrounds in the National Park System where you can park your rig.