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World Sea Turtle Day

Animal · Nature · June 16

A day for sea turtles, the ancient ocean reptiles that travel huge distances and return to sandy beaches to nest, marked in the United States too.

World Sea Turtle Day falls on Wednesday, June 16, 2027. That is 232 days away.

Sea turtles are reptiles that spend nearly their whole lives at sea. They breathe air, so they surface to take a breath, then glide back down on flippers built more for flying through water than walking on land. World Sea Turtle Day is marked in the United States too, with attention on these animals and the beaches and waters they need.

There are several kinds. Green turtles graze on seagrass and algae. Leatherbacks, the largest, have a flexible, leathery shell instead of hard plates and eat mostly jellyfish. Loggerheads have big heads and strong jaws for crushing crabs and shellfish. Each has its own habits, but all of them share one land-bound moment.

Females come ashore to nest, usually at night. A turtle drags herself up the sand, digs a hole with her back flippers, lays her eggs and covers them before heading back to the water. Weeks later the hatchlings dig out and scramble toward the brightest horizon, which on a natural beach is the sea.

That is why people on coastal beaches are asked to keep lights low during nesting season and to leave nests alone. Many coastal towns have nature centers and guided walks where people can learn about turtles from a respectful distance. Inland, the day is often marked with a documentary, a library book or a closer look at what ends up in storm drains.

A sea turtle cannot pull its head into its shell the way many land turtles can.

Ways to celebrate

• Watch a documentary about sea turtle migration or nesting.
• Pick up litter at a beach, river or local park.
• Visit a nature center or aquarium that teaches about sea turtles.
• Switch off or shade beachfront lights at night if you live on the coast.
• Read about the different sea turtle species with a child.

Dates

All national days on June 16

Also on June 16

• National Fudge Day
• Fresh Veggies Day
• Arborist Appreciation Day

Categories: Animal daysNature days