Sea Turtle Season is upon us and there are 127 nests so far, according to Mike Reynolds, turtle czar of Share the Beach, which focuses on all things sea turtle in Alabama. From May 1 to Oct. 31 each year, loggerhead, green and Kemp’s ridley sea turtles return to the place they were hatched to lay turtle eggs.

Share the Beach, a volunteer group formed by the Friends of the Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge in Gulf Shores, patrols the beaches, educates public and school groups, conducts late-night nest observations and assists with supply and equipment preparations. Read blogs on the Share the Beach website to get updates on nests found and eggs moved (when necessary).

While enjoying the beach, don’t forget the rules of Leave Only Footprints and some suggested by Share the Beach.

  • Lights down! Artificial light from inside or outside residences can disorient sea turtle hatchlings, preventing them from reaching the water.
  • Cleaning the beach of tents, canopies, chairs, toys and other beach items gives the sea turtle mamas and their hatchlings plenty of clearance to reach the relative safety of the Gulf of Mexico.
  • Fill in any holes deeper than 12 inches.
  • If you see a sea turtle emergency, call 866-Sea-Turtle (866-732-8878).

Out of the 7,800 hatchlings that made it into the Gulf of Mexico from the Alabama Gulf Coast in 2015, only about 1 in 1,000 will make it to adulthood, Reynolds said.

With about 50 more nests expected this year, do your best for these endangered turtles and Leave Only Footprints.