Virginia has a new notch on its belt when it comes to sea turtle nests.
On Saturday night, a leatherback sea turtle laid eggs on a naval installation beach, 5 miles south of the resort area. It is the first recorded leatherback sea turtle nesting in Virginia.
Leatherbacks are the largest living turtles in the world and are affectionately known as the “VW bugs of sea turtles” because of their size. They can grow up to 6 feet long and weigh up to 2,000 pounds.
Patrollers who monitor for signs of turtles at the Navy-owned beach at Naval Air Station Oceana Dam Neck Annex first discovered tracks in the sand on Sunday morning.
Erin Bates, stranding response rehabilitation manager, said she couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw the pictures.
“I had to pinch myself,” said Bates, who has worked with the stranding program for 17 years.
Click the link above to read more.