Mazal tov! A clutch of 46 loggerhead sea turtles hatched Thursday at the Rosh Hanikra nature preserve on Israel's northern coast.
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The hatching was overseen by volunteers form the Israel Nature and Parks Authority and ranger Manor Guri, who made sure the baby turtles reached the sea safely.
Video: Manor Guri / INPA
Thursday's hatching marked the end of the mating season, which began in May. Pregnant female sea turtles leave the sea at night and lay groups of 70-140 eggs, which they bury. It takes about two months for the babies to hatch.
Researchers have learned that artificial light from seaside event venues, restaurants, and the promenade can confuse the hatchlings and cause them to crawl away from, rather than toward, the sea.
Loggerhead sea turtles, common on Israel's coast, are endangered. Hatchlings weigh 15-40 grams (half an ounce to 1.5 ounces), while adults weigh an average 90 kg. (198 pounds). Most loggerhead turtles live over 30 years, and some can live as long as 50.
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