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Loggerhead Sea Turtle
Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta Caretta)

Loggerhead Turtle, photo by John WhiteThe loggerhead sea turtle is a large reddish-brown sea turtle with a disproportionately large head. Adult loggerheads range in size from 0.85-1.0 meters (33-40 inches) shell length and weight between 68-182 kilograms (150-400 pounds). Loggerhead sea turtles are the most common sea turtle encountered in the southeastern U.S., and are frequently observed around wrecks, underwater structures, and reefs, where they forage on a variety of crabs, jellyfish and mollusks. The most significant threats to loggerheads are coastal development, commercial fisheries, and pollution. In addition, loggerhead turtles are often captured incidental to shrimp trawling. Shrimping is thought to have played a significant role in the population declines observed for this species.

ESA Status: Threatened

To report a sea turtle sighting, stranding or death
please call our hotline: 1-800-628-9944

 
Hawksbill Sea Turtle | Green Sea Turtle  | Leatherback Sea Turtle
Kemp Ridley Sea Turtle | Olive Ridley Sea Turtle

Photo Courtesy of John White

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This page updated December 28, 2006