Species · GBIF taxon 8894817
Loggerhead
Caretta carettaAlso known as Loggerhead Sea Turtle
Loggerhead sea turtles are massive marine reptiles named for their exceptionally large heads and powerful jaws, which they use to crush hard-shelled prey. They spend their lives navigating open oceans and coastal waters, with females undertaking epic migrations back to their natal beaches to lay eggs. These ancient mariners play a vital role in marine ecosystems by maintaining healthy sea floor habitats through their foraging activities.
MarineMigratoryReptile
—observations
—countries
—peak records
VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Crabs
- Whelks
- Sea urchins
Predators
- Tiger sharks
- Killer whales
- Raccoons
ThreatsBycatch in fishing gear, coastal development, marine pollution, and climate change
HabitatsTemperate and tropical oceans, coastal bays, salt marshes, and sandy nesting beaches
Life span70 to 80 years or more
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCheloniidae
- SpeciesCaretta caretta
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Possesses incredibly powerful jaws; maintain a respectful distance and never touch or disturb nesting females.
- What to notice
- Look for a large, reddish-brown heart-shaped shell and an oversized head with heavy jaws.
- Support conservation
- Never approach nesting females or hatchlings, and report injured turtles to local wildlife authorities immediately.
Responsible observation
- Keep your distance: Stay at least 50 feet away from turtles on land or in the water.
- Minimize light: Turn off flashlights and beachside lights at night during nesting season to avoid disorienting hatchlings.
- Clear the path: Remove beach chairs, umbrellas, and trash from nesting beaches before sunset.
Ocean Companion (c) Pam Kleinsasser, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Pam Kleinsasser · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble · cc-by
Close Relative "Hawksbill Turtle" by Tchami is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/. · cc-by-sa
Close Relative U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
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