Endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle lays eggs on NC beach

Video courtesy: E. Dlutkowski. A Kemp’s ridley sea turtle covering up her nest on a sandy beach near Ramp 23 on Hatteras Island. June, 23, 2024

CAPE HATTERAS, N.C. (WNCN) — One of the most endangered sea turtles in the world is nesting on the sands of Cape Hatteras Beach.

The Kemp’s ridley sea turtle are rare nesters at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. They are one of the smallest species of sea turtles, and the most endangered. Unlike other species that nest at night, Kemp’s ridley turtles nest during the day.

A video taken at Cape Hatteras National Seashore in June shows the rare turtle wiggling and covering it’s nest. Unlike most sea turtles, the Kemp’s ridleys turtle also has a unique way of covering their eggs, using their flippers to perform a side-to-side shuffle on top of their nests.

If you’re visiting Cape Hatteras National Seashore, officials said to please report all sea turtle or sea turtle activity sightings by calling (252)-216-6892.

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