The loggerhead sea turtle is a listed species in the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). Find detailed information on the loggerhead sea turtle, its threats, and what Massachusetts is doing to conserve this animal in its official factsheet.
Fast facts
Common name: Loggerhead sea turtle
Scientific name: Caretta caretta
Range in MA: Cape Cod Bay to Nantucket Sound
Conservation status: Threatened (MESA), Threatened (US ESA)
Fun fact: Their elongated hard shells often resembles the shape of a heart
Similar-looking species: Green sea turtles
Identification tip: Loggerhead sea turtles have two pairs of prefrontal scales between their eyes and five costal scutes
Description
Loggerhead sea turtles are one of the sea turtles found regularly in Massachusetts. Loggerheads are very large (up to 250lbs) as full-grown adults—second only to the leatherback sea turtle—making them the largest hard-shelled sea turtles found in Massachusetts. Loggerheads have elongate to heart-shaped shells that are a reddish-brown color. As their common name implies, the loggerhead has a remarkably large head and stocky neck when compared to other sea turtle species. The large head and powerful jaws enable loggerheads to feed on hard-shelled prey, including moon snails, channeled and knobbed whelks, and a variety of crab species.