Leatherback Turtle Tracks Found in Texas

Tracks thought to belong to a leatherback turtle have been found in South Padre Island, Texas, for the first time since the 1930s, a biologist says.

Duke University marine biologist Larry Crowder said the tracks found by National Park Service workers were likely from the endanger turtle species, which has benefited from protection efforts, The Austin (Texas) American-Statesman reported Friday.

There’s no reason to think it’s lost or disoriented or anything like that, Crowder said of the animal behind the tracks.

A search of the ground near the tracks, which were found June 6, uncovered eight eggs thought to belong to an Atlantic leatherback turtle.

Padre Island National Seashore biological technician Rachael Blair told the newspaper scientists were hopeful the elusive animals would return to the nest to check on the eggs.

It’s very exciting, said Blair, who is part of the institute’s Sea Turtle Science and Recovery division. They nest in eight- to 12-day intervals. So we’re hoping she will come back and nest and leave a full clutch and we can incubate them.