Kemp's ridley sea turtles have an interesting way of nesting, moving their body in a way that makes it look like they are dancing.
NORTH CAROLINA, USA — If you head to Cape Hatteras National Seashore this summer, you may be lucky enough to find Kemp's ridley sea turtles dancing there!
These endangered sea turtles are rare nesters at Cape Hatteras. Unlike other sea turtles, they nest in the daytime.
They have an interesting way of nesting, moving their body in a way that makes it look like they are dancing. To cover their eggs they not only use their flippers, but they also move side to side on top of the nest. The motion is called the "Kemp's ridley dance" by those who work at the Seashore.
Kemp's ridley sea turtle danceKemp’s ridley sea turtles are rare nesters at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. They are the smallest species of sea turtle, and the most endangered in the world. Unlike other sea turtle species, Kemp’s ridleys nest during the day.
But here's where it gets shell-arious: Kemp's ridleys have a unique way of covering their eggs. While most sea turtles simply push sand over their nests with their flippers, Kemp’s ridleys take it to the next level. They not only use their flippers but also perform a little side-to-side shuffle on top of the nest. We call it the “Kemp’s ridley dance”! Looks like these turtles know how to put their best flipper forward!
If you're visiting Cape Hatteras National Seashore, please report ALL sea turtle or sea turtle activity sightings by calling (252)-216-6892.
Learn more about Kemp's ridley sea turtles here: https://www.nps.gov/caha/learn/nature/kempsridley.htm
🎥 NPS | E. Dlutkowski
A Kemp’s ridley sea turtle covering up her nest on a sandy beach. Video taken near Ramp 23 on Hatteras Island, June 23, 2024. This is the northernmost nesting of Kemp's ridley ever recorded on the Seashore.
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Posted by Cape Hatteras National Seashore on Wednesday, July 10, 2024
A Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle was spotted covering up her nest on Hatteras Island, on June 23. It is the northernmost nesting of Kemp's ridley ever recorded on the Seashore.
If you're visiting Cape Hatteras National Seashore, report all sea turtle activity and sightings by calling 252-216-6892.
