It’s that time of year again—Florida’s coastline is officially turning into a giant nursery. Sea turtle nesting season has arrived, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is putting out a friendly but firm reminder for everyone hitting the sand: our actions determine if these little guys actually make it to the water.
In places like Brevard and Broward counties, the action started as early as March. For the Gulf Coast and North Florida, things usually pick up in April or May. Since our beaches are some of the most important nesting spots in the world for these endangered species, a few simple habit changes from us can make a massive difference.
The biggest thing to remember? Keep it dark. Turtles are guided by the moonlight, and artificial lights from beach houses, flashlights, or even your phone can totally disorient them. The FWC asks that you flip off porch and deck lights at night and shut your curtains. If you absolutely have to have a light outside, it needs to be long-wavelength, shielded, and mounted low to the ground so it doesn’t spill onto the beach.
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If you’re lucky enough to spot a turtle, give her some space—at least 50 feet. If she changes her behavior or stops what she’s doing, you’re too close. It’s actually illegal to mess with the turtles, their nests, or the hatchlings, so it’s best to just admire them from a distance. Getting too close can scare a mother back into the ocean before she even finishes laying her eggs.
Finally, we need to “clear the way” every single evening. Dragging herself up the beach is an exhausting workout for a mother turtle, and things like left-behind beach chairs, toys, or deep holes in the sand can trap her.
Even trash and food scraps are a problem because they attract raccoons and crows that prey on the babies. Before you head home for the day, be sure to flatten any sandcastles, fill in your holes, and take all your gear with you.
If you see a turtle that looks sick, injured, or tangled up in fishing line, you can call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922). You can also find more tips on being a “Beach Hero” at MyFWC.com/SeaTurtle.
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