How can you not love a sea turtle? Just look at that face! Did you know these endangered beauties nest on Alabama’s beaches?
Each year, starting in May, sea turtles make their way to shore to lay their eggs. Here on Alabama’s beaches, we are lucky to have them visit our sugar-white sand. In 2019, 114 nests were recorded in Alabama. With an average of 110 eggs per nest, that’s a lot of baby turtles.
Volunteers with Share The Beach cruise the beach each morning looking for turtle tracks and nests. When a nest is found, it is marked and the date recorded. The magic happens 55 to 70 days later, when the babies break free of their shells and make their way to the surface of the sand. The Share The Beach volunteers, having calculated the hatching date, are ready and waiting to help the youngsters find their way to the water.
While you’re vacationing in Coastal Alabama, there are things you can do to help while on the beach – especially after dark, the baby turtles’ favorite time to head out to sea.
- If you see a sea turtle nest, leave it alone.
- If you see a turtle – adult or baby – report it by calling 866-732-8878 immediately.
- White lights on the beach at night can confuse turtles. Please don’t use flash photography, and always cover flashlights with something red. The Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Welcome Centers provide red flashlight covers for free!
- Turn off outside lights and shield indoor lights from shining on the beach.
- Leave sea turtle tracks undisturbed.
- Pick up your trash!
- Be sure to remove beach chairs, toys and other objects from the beach every night.
Remember, it’s a federal offense to disturb or tamper with a sea turtle or its nest. Report any suspicious behavior by calling 866-732-8878.