x
Breaking News
More () »

Survey: 8,000 turtle nests washed out by Dorian in Florida

Dorian washed away 20% or 2,260 of the loggerhead nests from this season, and one leatherback nest.

MELBOURNE BEACH, Fla. — Scientists say Hurricane Dorian washed out to sea more than 8,000 sea turtle nests from a Florida wildlife refuge.

The University of Central Florida said Friday that a recent survey conducted at the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge in Melbourne Beach shows the storm that brushed Florida's east coast earlier this month washed away 45% of green turtle nests.

Researchers say other turtle species dodged a bullet because the peak of their seasons passed before the storm, unlike green turtles. Dorian washed away 20% or 2,260 of the loggerhead nests from this season, and one leatherback nest.

RELATED: Florida zoo gives premature sea turtles affected by Dorian a second chance

RELATED: What happens underwater during a hurricane?

But the turtles aren't doomed. Scientists have already seen more than 400 new green turtle nests since Dorian.

What other people are reading right now:

FREE 10NEWS APP:

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Stay In the Know! Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter

Before You Leave, Check This Out