Sea turtles are among the largest living reptiles. They have scales and a bony shell, are cold-blooded, breathe air, and lay their eggs on land. Sea turtles are long-lived, although scientists are uncertain how long they live because there is no known way to determine their age. Unlike the land turtles from which they evolved, sea turtles spend almost their entire lives in the sea. They glide gracefully through the water with flipper-like forelimbs and a streamlined shell. Sea turtles frequently come to the surface to breathe when active, but they can remain underwater for several hours when resting.
All six species of turtles in the United States are
listed as threatened or endangered (fact sheets below) and all species
can be found in the Southeast. Find out how you can help protect sea turtles. Click here to
obtain a Guide
to Sea Turtle Lighting.
