Thousands of Newborn Turtles Scurry Over Mexican Beaches (Video)
Tens of thousands of baby turtles popped out of the sand and waddled toward the ocean at a Pacific beach in the Mexican province of Oaxaca.
The beach, known as Playa de Morro, is an important breeding ground for the Olive Ridley turtles, a species making a comeback after populations suffered over hunting.
Adult females Olive Ridleys lay their eggs on some 120 beaches in Mexico, but the biggest numbers go to Morro Ayuta and nearby Escobilla in Oaxaca.
The turtles lay around 100 eggs per breed with a 45-day gestation period.
During November and December, millions of baby turtles are born here and reach the ocean for first time.
Over 20 years ago, the Mexican government implemented ecological plans to protect the sea turtles, including establishing conservation areas and paying local residents to protect turtle nests.
Mexico has several species of turtle, and they are typically ravaged by natural predators, erratic weather and human hunters seeking their meat and eggs.
Olive Ridley turtles, found in the Americas and Asia, are listed as endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
