Sea Turtles of Padre Island

Kemp's ridley hatchlings make their way to the Gulf of Mexico at a public hatchling release at Padre Island National Seashore.

NPS Photo.

 

Quick links

• Nesting Season
• Division of Sea Turtle Science and Recovery
• Hatchling Releases
• Report a Nesting or Stranded Sea Turtle
• What Does the Yellow Turtle Flag Mean?
• Volunteer With Us!

Sea turtles are one of the most iconic and popular animals found at Padre Island National Seashore.

All five of the sea turtle species found in the Gulf of Mexico rely on the park and its adjacent waters. Kemp's ridley sea turtles nest here more than at any other location in the United States. Juvenile green sea turtles live in the waters here year-round and adults nest on Padre Island in low numbers. Loggerhead sea turtles also nest in the park in low numbers and forage offshore. Leatherback sea turtles travel through the Gulf and historically nested here. Hawksbill sea turtles also travel through the area, finding food and rest along the way. These species are all federally listed as either endangered or threatened. Padre Island National Seashore is the only location in Texas where nests from all five of these species have been found.

Our Division of Sea Turtle Science and Recovery, the only division of its kind in the National Park Service, works to monitor and protect these animals. In spring and summer, nesting turtles are protected, examined, and tagged. A few are tracked using satellite telemetry. Nests are moved to protected areas and monitored until they hatch. When possible, the public is invited to watch newly hatched sea turtles make their way to the Gulf. Thousands of visitors and numerous media attend these public hatchling releases each year.

In winter, turtles that become cold stunned are rescued, rehabilitated by Division partners, and then released back into the Gulf. When possible, the public is invited to watch these cold stunned turtles being released. Stranded turtles, found at any time of year, are rescued and rehabilitated if found alive, or salvaged for research purposes if found dead. Other research projects conducted by the Division promote sea turtle conservation.

Padre Island National Seashore and the National Park Service have been part of the story of the Kemp's ridley since the 1970s. The work conducted by the National Seashore, led by Dr. Donna Shaver, is an important part of global efforts to save sea turtles. This work could not be accomplished without the help of many partners, volunteers, and communities.

Click on the images below to learn more about the sea turtles of Padre Island National Seashore!

 

 

If you find a nesting sea turtle, sea turtle tracks, or hatchlings, please IMMEDIATELY report them by flagging down a passing turtle patroller or law enforcement officer, or by calling 1-866-TURTLE5.

It is essential that you report these observations immediately so that biologists can arrive as quickly as possible to protect the turtles and eggs. Also, please report the nesting turtle as soon as you see her, so that biologists can try to get to the site to examine her before she re-enters the sea.

• Protect the nesting turtle and hatchlings from passing traffic. Hatchlings and nesting turtles can be difficult to see. If necessary, ask motorists to take another route to avoid damage to the turtles or nests.

• Allow the turtle to nest undisturbed.

• After the nesting turtle has started to lay the eggs or when she is returning to the water, photograph or video her and examine her for tags. Photograph or video the hatchlings as they are emerging from the nest or crawling towards the water.

• Mark where the turtle nested or where the hatchlings emerged from.

• Make sure that the turtles safely enter the water, but do not place them in the water or touch them.

• If possible, stay at the site until a park representative arrives.

Your assistance is greatly appreciated and could make all the difference in protecting these threatened and endangered turtles!