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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)


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)

Related Imagery
A gopher tortoise reaches out for its burrow as it is released into its new home deep within the base’s range Oct. 26. The first of approximately 250 tortoises were released into their 100-acre environment after being rescued from urban development at their previous home in South Florida. Increasing the gopher tortoise population here could prevent the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from listing the animal on the Threatened and Endangered Species list, allowing more flexibility for the military missions on Eglin. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)
Members of Eglin Air Force Base’s Natural Resources office tag a gopher tortoise by drilling holes on the corners of its shell before releasing it into its new home deep within the base’s range Oct. 26. The first of approximately 250 tortoises were released into their 100-acre environment after being rescued from urban development at their previous home in South Florida. Increasing the gopher tortoise population here could prevent the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from listing the animal on the Threatened and Endangered Species list, allowing more flexibility for the military missions on Eglin. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)
A gopher tortoise is measured prior to being released into its new home deep within the Eglin Air Force Base range Oct. 26. The first of approximately 250 tortoises were released into their 100-acre environment after being rescued from urban development at their previous home in South Florida. Increasing the gopher tortoise population here could prevent the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from listing the animal on the Threatened and Endangered Species list, allowing more flexibility for the military missions on Eglin. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)
A silt fence running toward the horizon is the barrier surrounding the gopher tortoises’ new habitat deep within the Eglin Air Force Base range Oct. 26. The first of approximately 250 tortoises were released into their 100-acre environment after being rescued from urban development at their previous home in South Florida. Increasing the gopher tortoise population here could prevent the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from listing the animal on the Threatened and Endangered Species list, allowing more flexibility for the military missions on Eglin. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)
A gopher tortoise can’t wait to get to its new home on the Eglin Air Force Base range Oct. 26. The first of approximately 250 tortoises were released into their 100-acre habitat after being rescued from urban development at their previous home in South Florida. Increasing the gopher tortoise population here could prevent the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from listing the animal on the Threatened and Endangered Species list, allowing more flexibility for the military missions on Eglin. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)
A gopher tortoise explores its new surroundings deep within the Eglin Air Force Base range Oct. 26. The first of approximately 250 tortoises were released into their 100-acre habitat after being rescued from urban development at their previous home in South Florida. Increasing the gopher tortoise population here could prevent the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from listing the animal on the Threatened and Endangered Species list, allowing more flexibility for the military missions on Eglin. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)
A pair of gopher tortoises explore their new surroundings deep within the Eglin Air Force Base range Oct. 26. The first of approximately 250 tortoises were released into their 100-acre habitat after being rescued from urban development at their previous home in South Florida. Increasing the gopher tortoise population here could prevent the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from listing the animal on the Threatened and Endangered Species list, allowing more flexibility for the military missions on Eglin. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)
A gopher tortoise settles into its new burrow deep within the Eglin Air Force Base range Oct. 26. The first of approximately 250 tortoises were released into their 100-acre habitat after being rescued from urban development at their previous home in South Florida. Increasing the gopher tortoise population here could prevent the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from listing the animal on the Threatened and Endangered Species list, allowing more flexibility for the military missions on Eglin. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)
Col. Matthew Higer, 96th Test Wing vice commander, bends down to release a gopher tortoise into its new home deep within the Eglin Air Force Base range Oct. 26. The first of approximately 250 tortoises were released into their 100-acre habitat after being rescued from urban development at their previous home in South Florida. Increasing the gopher tortoise population here could prevent the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from listing the animal on the Threatened and Endangered Species list, allowing more flexibility for the military missions on Eglin. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)
A gopher tortoise waits to begin exploring its new home deep within the Eglin Air Force Base range Oct. 26. The first of more than 250 tortoises were released into their 100-acre habitat after being moved from their previous home in South Florida. Increasing the gopher tortoise population here could prevent the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from listing the animal on the Threatened and Endangered Species list, allowing more flexibility for the military missions on Eglin. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)
Two common nighthawk chicks wait for their mother's return on the Santa Rosa Island Range July 14 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Nighthawks are known for nesting on open ground. The 96th Civil Engineer Group’s, Jackson Guard biologists and volunteers track and monitor wildlife on the littoral range here. The information gathered is used to avoid and protect wildlife during military test and training missions. (U.S. Air Force photo/Ilka Cole)
This is a view of the Santa Rosa Island Range landscape July 14 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The SRI is 18 miles in length and used for military test and training missions. The water range is also a nesting ground for shorebirds and endangered sea turtle species. (U.S. Air Force photo/Ilka Cole)