Loggerhead Sea Turtle

Caretta caretta

Built for powerful journeys, the Loggerhead Sea Turtle is named for its large head and strong jaws,
which help it feed on hard-shelled prey such as crabs and mollusks.

Meet the Loggerhead Sea Turtle

Named for its remarkably large head and powerful jaws, the loggerhead is one of the most recognizable sea turtles in the ocean. These powerful travelers cross thousands of miles of open water and return to coastal habitats to feed and nest.

The Journey Continues

Female Loggerhead Sea Turtles return to sandy beaches to lay their eggs, often migrating hundreds or even thousands of miles between feeding areas and nesting grounds.

After nesting, they return to the ocean, leaving the next generation beneath the sand. Weeks later, the hatchlings emerge and begin an extraordinary journey toward the sea.

Photo: James Lyon / U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Built for the Journey

  • Powerful Jaws

    Loggerheads use their strong jaws to crush hard-shelled prey such as crabs, mollusks and other marine invertebrates.

  • Ocean Travelers

    Loggerheads migrate across vast stretches of ocean between feeding areas and the coastal regions where they nest.

  • Returning Home

    Female loggerheads return to nesting beaches to lay their eggs, continuing a life cycle that has unfolded for millions of years.

A Future Worth Protecting

Loggerhead Sea Turtles face threats throughout their lives—from habitat loss and plastic pollution to accidental capture in fishing gear and disturbance on nesting beaches. Protecting the places they feed, migrate and nest helps give future generations a chance to continue their extraordinary journey.

Learn How You Can Help