It’s here! The most anticipated season of the year is the time between May 1 and August 31. We’re not just talking about summer, though. It’s also sea turtle nesting season! During this time, endangered sea turtles come on shore to lay their eggs all along the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. It’s something we always get excited about and our summer visitors do, too.
When the female turtle comes on shore to lay eggs, it’s important for her to have a clear path. The Leave Only Footprints program assists in this by requiring all personal structures and gear to be removed before sunset each evening.
Do you know how to be sea turtle friendly? Following the guidelines while you are at the beach ensures safe passage for the sea turtles during nesting and hatching season.
- Sea turtles use moonlight for guidance when nesting. Put away your flashlights and turn off the flash on your camera or phone to avoid confusion.
- Enjoy the outdoors without patio or balcony lights and close the blinds or turn off indoor lights when you aren’t using them.
- If you see a marked nest, don’t disturb it.
- Chairs, toys, tents and other obstacles can cause the female turtle to turn away and go back to the water. Take your items off the beach at the end of each day.
- Digging large holes in the sand is a dangerous activity for wildlife and humans. Turtles and other wildlife can be trapped in deep holes and people walking at night could step in the hole and be injured. Always remember to refill any holes you dig.
- If you encounter a sea turtle on the beach or see a nest that hasn’t been marked, call 866-SEA-TURTLE to report it.
We can all be involved in protecting our natural treasures by following the Leave Only Footprints program.