Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle
Kemp’s ridleys (Lepidochelys kempii) are the second most common sea turtle in Virginia waters, with ~200-300 visiting Chesapeake Bay each summer. Those found in the Bay are typically juveniles feeding on crabs, mollusks, and other crustaceans. Kemp’s ridleys are the smallest and rarest of all sea turtles and are listed as “endangered” throughout their range. The average length of Kemp's ridleys in Chesapeake Bay is ~ 39 cm (15 in).
Status
Listed as "Endangered"; population in crisis
Size
Adults under 76 cm (30 in), 80 -100 pounds
Sexual Maturity
8-15 years
Nesting Habitat
Only major nesting site is Rancho Nuevo, Mexico; open beach
Juvenile Habitat
Gulf of Mexico (also primary adult habitat); Virginia, and Cape Cod
Diet
Primarily crabs, mollusks, and other crustaceans