They are also found in the southern waters of Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean. Hawksbill turtles nest primarily at night, but there are reports of daytime nesting, usually on uninhabited beaches. Although sea turtles are subject to predation throughout their life cycle, predation is particularly high during the first two years of life. The eggs are eaten by ghost crabs, raccoons, skunks, oppossums, mongooses, and dogs. Hatchlings are preyed upon by mammals, sea birds, crabs, and carnivorous fishes.
Predation continues to be high until the turtles are big enough to avoid being swallowed.
Sharks are a formidable predator throughout the life cycle of the Hawsbill. Handicrafts made of tortoise-shell appear in many ancient cultures, in places like China, Ceylon, India, Oceania, and Rome. The meat and eggs of the Hawksbill have long been a source of food for people, although the meat is considered toxic in some areas due to the food items consumed. Human exploitation of the nesting grounds and pollution pose long term threats to its survival. In the past, Hawksbill Sea Turtles were often killed in large shrimp trawl nets.