AN ACT to adopt the loggerhead sea turtle as the official saltwater reptile of the state of North carolina.

Whereas, the loggerhead sea turtle is the most common sea turtle found along the coast of North Carolina; and

Whereas, loggerhead sea turtles can live up to 50 years, growing over three feet in length and weighing over 250 pounds; and

Whereas, loggerhead sea turtles got their name because their heads resembled logs; and

Whereas, the diets of loggerhead sea turtles consist of horseshoe crabs, conchs, whelks, and other mollusks; and

Whereas, female loggerhead sea turtles dig hundreds of nests on the beaches of North Carolina; and

Whereas, a female loggerhead sea turtle can lay 100 or more eggs with hatchlings appearing in about 60 days; and

Whereas, the State of North Carolina does not have an official saltwater reptile; Now, therefore,

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  Chapter 145 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:

§ 145‑52.  State saltwater reptile.

The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is adopted as the official saltwater reptile of the State of North Carolina.

SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.