H.B. 536
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
Mar 29, 2023
SESSION 2023 HOUSE PRINCIPAL CLERK
H D
HOUSE BILL DRH40281-LGy-108A
Short Title: Loggerhead Turtle/State Saltwater Reptile. (Public)
Sponsors: Representative Iler.
Referred to:
1 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
2 AN ACT TO ADOPT THE LOGGERHEAD SEA TURTLE AS THE OFFICIAL
3 SALTWATER REPTILE OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
4 Whereas, the loggerhead sea turtle is the most common sea turtle found along the
5 coast of North Carolina; and
6 Whereas, loggerhead sea turtles can live up to 50 years, growing over three feet in
7 length and weighing over 250 pounds; and
8 Whereas, loggerhead sea turtles got their name because their heads resembled logs;
9 and
10 Whereas, the diets of loggerhead sea turtles consist of horseshoe crabs, conchs,
11 whelks, and other mollusks; and
12 Whereas, female loggerhead sea turtles dig hundreds of nests on the beaches of North
13 Carolina; and
14 Whereas, a female loggerhead sea turtle can lay 100 or more eggs with hatchlings
15 appearing in about 60 days; and
16 Whereas, the State of North Carolina does not have an official saltwater reptile; Now,
17 therefore,
18 The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
19 SECTION 1. Chapter 145 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new
20 section to read:
21 "§ 145-52. State saltwater reptile.
22 The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is adopted as the official saltwater reptile of the
23 State of North Carolina."
24 SECTION 2. This act is effective when it becomes law.
*DRH40281-LGy-108A*