It’s still sea turtle nesting season along the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast. Those amazing sea turtle patrol volunteers have had a busy summer. Daily patrols ended August 31, but the season continues through October 31. Since sea turtle eggs have an incubation period of 55 to 70 days, it’s likely there are a few stragglers that haven’t hatched yet.
Please continue to practice the following guidelines until nesting season is over.
- No white lights or flash photography on the beach. It can confuse sea turtles, sending them the wrong direction.
- Turn off beachfront outside lights when they aren’t in use.
- If you see a marked nest, leave it alone.
- Leave only your footprints on the beach at night. Sea turtles can be injured or killed when they encounter obstacles between them and the water.
- If you dig a hole, fill it in before departing.
- If you spot an unmarked nest or a sea turtle, call 866-SEA-TURTLE to report it.
To learn more about sea turtles, including how you can volunteer to help, visit the Alabama Coastal Foundation website.