Memorial Day weekend is here, and thousands of people are packing their bags for Florida’s beaches. But state wildlife officials are reminding everyone that humans are not the only ones using the sand this summer.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issued a reminder this week that beach nesting season is officially underway. Florida’s coastlines serve as critical spring and summer homes for several threatened and endangered species. These include loggerhead, leatherback, and green sea turtles, as well as birds like black skimmers, snowy plovers, and least terns.
Because human crowds can accidentally disrupt these animals, the FWC is asking visitors to follow strict space and cleanliness rules to keep the wildlife safe.
For sea turtles, experts say you should stay at least 50 feet away if you see one on the sand. Getting too close can scare a mother turtle back into the ocean before she finishes laying her eggs. It is also illegal to harm or disturb these animals, their nests, or their hatchlings.
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Beach-nesting birds need even more space. The FWC recommends staying at least 300 feet away from coastal birds. If a bird gets scared and flies away from its nest, its eggs and tiny chicks are left completely unprotected from the hot sun and predators like crows or raccoons.
Officials say a few simple changes to your beach routine can make a massive difference.
Before you leave the beach for the day, fill in any holes you dug in the sand and flatten your sandcastles. Leftover holes and mounds can trap tiny baby turtles trying to crawl to the ocean. You also need to take all chairs, umbrellas, and trash home with you. Leftover food scraps attract predators that eat bird eggs and baby turtles.
If you are staying on the beach after dark, turn off your flashlights and cell phone lights. Property owners on the water should close their curtains and turn off exterior lights. Bright lights confuse baby turtles, causing them to crawl toward the land and roads instead of following the moonlight to the sea.
Finally, keep your pets at home or on a short leash, and leave the fireworks to the professionals. The loud noises and bright flashes can easily terrify nesting mothers and chicks.
If you see an injured animal or notice someone violating wildlife laws, you can report it directly to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline.
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