Category Archives: Reptiles
Cold Stunns
Cold stunned sea turtles are a common occurrence along the gulf coast. It only takes water temperatures as low as 65 degrees for these cold-blooded creatures to become lethargic, according to Lauren Bell, a marine biologist in sea turtles and aquatic biology at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. “As of now there haven’t been any cold stunned turtles,” she said yesterday evening around sunset. At the time, the water was hovering just above that critical 65 degree mark. Because of air temperature in the mid 30s overnight, the water temperature at Pier 60 has fallen to 60°f as of 6:30am, 10 degrees almost overnight. There is a strong possibility that at least a few lethargic, cold stunned turtles will need rehabilitation this morning.
Cottonmouth Snake
The cottonmouth snake is an aquatic venomous snake. These snakes prefer areas surrounding wetlands, areas around lakes, rivers, and swamps. Their primary source of food are small creatures like mice and frogs. They are found throughout the entire state of Florida. Continue reading Cottonmouth Snake
Sea Turtle Release
Loggerhead turtles make up the majority of the nesting turtles along the northern Pinellas county beaches. Hatchlings incubate for about two months in the nest. Since the main nesting months are from May to October, the hatchling emergence often occurs during the peak of the hurricane season, between August and October. This puts the hatchlings at risk of being washed back onto the beaches of the coast, exhausted from battling ocean waves in their attempt to get out to the weed-line many miles offshore. Once the turtles get washed onto shore they become especially at risk of mortality. Fortunately, there are many caring people who watch over the turtles, doing what they can to preserve the reptile.
Gopher Tortoise
The gopher tortoise (gopherus, polyphemus) can be found all over the gulf’s barrier islands. They are terrestrial animals, and as such they cannot swim very well. This turtle likes dry sandy areas, areas like sand dunes, and arid coastal islands. Its legs are designed for digging in the sand, instead of swimming in the water. The turtle can grow up to a foot long, and weigh 30 pounds. The tortoise’s lifespan can range from 40 to 60 years. Continue reading Gopher Tortoise
Sea Turtle Nesting Season
That exciting time of year when our endangered sea turtles reproduce is here. Sea turtles nest through the summer months along the white sand beaches of west Florida. The nesting season lasts from May 1st through October 31st. During these months female turtles swim up on the beach at night time, dig nests in the sand, deposit eggs, then swim away. Continue reading Sea Turtle Nesting Season
