The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is the most common sea turtle in Florida. They are considered threatened in our area, but populations in other parts of the world are endangered. This turtle gets its name from the size of its huge head. Adult loggerheads weigh an average of 110-136 kilograms (250-300 pounds). They have a shield-shaped carapace that is rough and reddish-brown in color, and they grow to a little less than a meter in length (about 3 feet). These turtles feast on whelks, conch, crabs, and anything else they can crush with their powerful jaws. Loggerheads nest on our beaches from April until September.
