By Mike Busch
The waters off Long Island are host to four species of sea turtles: Loggerhead, Kemp’s Ridley, Green, and Leatherback.
All four are endangered or threatened and covered by the Endangered Species Act.
These turtles usually arrive here in late June as water temperatures rise and stay until November before heading south with the warm water.
Except for nesting adult females, sea turtles spend their entire lives at sea.
Most people never get to see these beautiful creatures in the wild, fortunately Dr. Artie Kopelman and Chris Paparo have provided some photos of them in their natural habitat.
LOGGERHEAD (CARETTA CARETTA) VULNERABLE
First up is the Loggerhead , the most common sea turtle seen off Long Island.
Loggerheads are named after their large block-like head and average 3 feet long and 300 pounds.
They use their powerful jaws to eat hard shelled prey like crabs and shellfish as well as jellyfish, fish, and eelgrass.
Loggerhead Turtle | Dr. Artie Kopelman
Sleeping Loggerhead Turtle | Chris Papparo
