Extinct Animals : Loggerhead Turtle

The Atlantic loggerhead turtle is found in the waters off Canada's eastern coast. Individuals may attain a shell length of almost 3 m and may weigh up to 454 kg although a weight of about 136 kg is more usual. In the open sea, these turtles spend much of their time floating on the surface of the water. They feed upon sponges, jellyfish, mussels, clams, oysters, shrimp, and a variety of fish.

Nesting takes place in temperate waters and is usually accomplished on open beaches by the female who comes ashore at night and digs the nest in the sand with her flippers. The round, white, leathery eggs, as many as 126 in a clutch, are covered with packed sand. In a period of up to 68 days, the eggs which have not fallen victim to predators hatch, and the young loggerheads struggle to the surface and make their way to the sea.