If you live anywhere near South Padre Island, springtime means one thing above all else: the start of sea turtle nesting season. Before long, little hatchlings will begin making their way into the ocean, and this year is looking like a busy one already!

Kemp's ridley sea turtles, also known as Atlantic ridley sea turtles, are the rarest species of their order. They're critically endangered, which is just two steps away from total extinction.

Generally preferring warm waters, the Kemp's ridley sea turtle inhabits the Gulf of Mexico and the western Atlantic Ocean. More nests can be found on Padre Island right here in Texas than any other U.S. location.

Conservation measures appeared to be having an impact until 2010, as a substantial increase in nests was noted. The upward swing has unfortunately reversed since then, however, and scientists are working diligently to pinpoint the exact cause.

Experts are hopeful about this season, as the first nest was spotted about 10 days earlier than last year. If the trend keeps up, 2020 could see quite a few hatchlings!

Given the downward trend of an already endangered species, continued protection efforts are crucial. Public education is a key component of conservation, which is why, when possible, sea turtle releases are held from mid-June through August.

Since the survival rate is low for nests left on the beach, they are moved to protected areas and monitored until it's time to hatch. It usually takes between one and four days for the baby turtles to break through the eggshell, emerge, and be ready for release.

Hatchling releases are usually scheduled when several nests are due to hatch around the same time; this increases the likelihood that visitors will get to witness the process. Once you've seen these tracks firsthand, they're unmistakable!

Releases typically take place at 6:45 a.m. on Malaquite Beach in front of the Visitor Center at Padre Island National Seashore on North Padre Island. Please remember not to touch the sea turtles, as it could interfere with their complex imprinting process. This leads them back to the beach where they hatched the following year, allowing for the continuation of the species. If you see a stranded sea turtle on the beach, flag down a turtle patroller or call 1-866-TURTLE5 to reach the area coordinator.

Visit the Padre Island NPS website or Facebook page for more information.

Have you ever attended a Kemp's ridley sea turtle release? If so, we'd love to hear all about your experience. Check out our previous article for another natural phenomenon to look out for this season: Keep Your Eyes Peeled, Thousands Of Hummingbirds Are Headed Right For Texas During Their Migration This Spring.

Are there any restaurants, businesses, or other attractions in Texas you think the world should know about? Head over to our nomination page and give them a shoutout — you just might see your submission featured in an upcoming article!