A nesting loggerhead sea turtle met a tragic end in Carova, North Carolina, after being struck by a vehicle on the beach early Sunday morning. The Network for Endangered Sea Turtles (N.E.S.T.) reported the incident, highlighting the vulnerability of these creatures during nesting season.

Carova Beach, accessible only by four-wheel-drive vehicles, is a known nesting area for loggerheads. A patrolling law enforcement officer discovered the injured turtle, and N.E.S.T. volunteers responded swiftly, transporting the severely injured loggerhead to the STAR Center at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. Sadly, the turtle succumbed to its injuries.

In a silver lining to the tragedy, N.E.S.T. volunteers located and secured over 100 freshly laid eggs from the deceased turtle's nest. This underscores the importance of their conservation work.

This incident follows a recent near-miss where a vehicle ran over a protective perimeter around another nest, fortunately without harming the eggs. N.E.S.T. emphasizes the need for caution while driving on the beach, especially at night during nesting and hatching season, which extends through September. They urge drivers to adhere to speed limits, respect wildlife, and carefully scan the beach ahead.

N.E.S.T. president Tony Parisi clarified that the organization isn't seeking to ban beach driving, recognizing its necessity for Carova residents. The primary goal is to raise awareness about the presence of nests and encourage responsible driving practices. Sea turtles are protected under the Endangered Species Act, with significant penalties for harming them or their nests.

N.E.S.T., a volunteer-run non-profit, has been protecting sea turtles in the Outer Banks since 1995. Their activities include patrolling beaches, verifying and protecting nests, rescuing stranded turtles, and promoting sea turtle research and education.