Biologists release baby sea turtles on Eglin beaches

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – Dozens of spectators came to watch the release of almost twenty baby sea turtles into the wild off Eglin’s beaches on Santa Rosa Island Aug. 14. The baby turtles were removed from their nests by endangered species biologists a few days prior to release to enhance their chances for survival after it was discovered they were unable to dig their way out. Most sea turtles lay three to five nests with 80-140 eggs per nest. Female sea turtles return to the beach where they were born to lay their eggs. Currently, Eglin’s beaches are home to more than 20 active nests. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Airman Anthony Jennings)

Biologists release baby sea turtles on Eglin beaches

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Twenty-three Loggerhead baby sea turtles were released into the wild off Eglin’s beaches on Santa Rosa Island, Aug. 14. The baby turtles were removed from their nests by endangered species biologists a few days prior to release to enhance their chances for survival after it was discovered they were unable to dig their way out. Most sea turtles lay three to five nests with 80-140 eggs per nest. Female sea turtles return to the beach where they were born to lay their eggs. Currently, Eglin’s beaches are home to more than 20 active nests. (U.S. Air Force photo/ 2nd Lt. Andrew Caulk)

Eglin turtles

A baby green sea turtle just several hours old works its way to the Gulf of Mexico. Eglin beaches are the birthplace of thousands of the federally listed endangered sea turtles like this one every year. (Courtesy photo.)

Turtle trouble

Sea Turtle Monitoring Program team volunteers relocate a nest of eggs that were in danger prior to an on-coming tropical storm. more than 40 volunteers help track and document sea turtle nesting from May 1 to Oct. 31. Eglin beaches are the birthplace of thousands of the federally listed endangered sea turtles like this one every year. (Courtesy photo.)

"Bear" base

A mother black bear checks on one of her two cubs near Eglin Air Force Base housing recently. The family has been spotted at various locations around base housing for several weeks. Wildlife specialists from Jackson Guard advise base residents to never feed bears and to secure all trash cans so bears can't steal scraps. Keeping trash cans close to the house when it's not trash pickup day can help keep bears from seeing and going into them. If you do encounter a black bear, try to adhere to the following: Do not feed the bear; Never approach the bear; Make sure the bear has an escape route; Do not run from the bear or make direct eye contact with it; Back up slowly and remain standing upright; Act passively; Do not appear threatening. (U.S. Air Force photo/Cheryl Carden.)

Great bird

A Great Blue Heron walks through the high grasses along the bank of the Gulf of Mexico at Post'l Point June 26 on Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Many types of wildlife populate Eglin's ranges, waters and wooded areas. The endangered Red-Cockaded Woodpecker, the Okaloosa Darter and Loggerhead Sea Turtle are just some of the species of animals found on Eglin. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)