CLEARWATER, Fla. — The world's rarest species of sea turtle, a critically endangered Kemp's Ridley, has made a nest in the Clearwater area, according to Clearwater Marine Aquarium. 

  • Kemp's Ridley sea turtle makes nest in Clearwater area
  • Kemp's Ridley turtles are critically endangered
  • Only about 12 Kemp's Ridley turtles made nests last year

"We get very few in the entire state," said Lindsey Flynn, CMA's Turtle Conservation Supervisor. "So, to have one here is very exciting."

Flynn said some people just happened to stumble upon the Kemp's Ridley as it was making the nest last week and alerted biologists. 

"It's very important for the public to know if they do see a sea turtle on the beach, at any time, to stay back," she said. "Do not interfere with it, because you could scare it, and it could leave the beach without laying their eggs."

Photos taken of the nest and turtle confirm it's a Kemp's Ridley. Aquarium officials said it's their first turtle nest of the season and will not reveal its location.

"We're very excited to have the opportunity to protect it," Flynn said. "It's been several years. They're very rare." 

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, only about a dozen Kemp's Ridley turtles made nests last year statewide. Its main nesting area is on Mexico's Gulf Coast, but a few nest in Florida and Texas.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium officials won't release the location of the Kemp's Ridley turtle's nest. The species of turtle is critically endangered and rarely seen in Florida. (Courtesy of Clearwater Marine Aquarium)
Clearwater Marine Aquarium officials won't release the location of the Kemp's Ridley turtle's nest. The species of turtle is critically endangered and rarely seen in Florida. (Courtesy of Clearwater Marine Aquarium)