Beach-Bound This Weekend? Don’t Forget About The Shore Wildlife

Nesting knowledge

Beach-bound this weekend? Don’t forget these sea turtle and shorebird-friendly tips:

Give nesting sea turtles at least 50 feet of space or more to avoid causing them to leave before they complete the nesting process. Beach-nesting birds benefit most from at least 300 feet of space to avoid causing them to fly away from their nests and chicks. Steer clear of posted areas and keep the pups at home or on a short leash – even well-behaved dogs seem scary to shorebirds.

Help avoid attracting predators of sea turtle hatchlings and shorebirds by properly disposing of or recycling any trash before you head home. Stashing that trash also helps prevent wildlife from getting entangled. Bringing beach gear like tents, toys and chairs? Take it all home with you to keep the beach free of obstacles to nesting sea turtles and shorebirds.

Fill any holes you dig in the sand back up to prevent sea turtles and non-flighted birds from getting stuck.

Night beach hikes? Try and use natural light from the sky to navigate, as lights on the beach can lead sea turtles and their hatchlings away from the ocean and into potential danger. If on beach-front property, show sea turtles some love by turning off lights or closing curtains to block light facing the water.

Leave the fireworks to the pros and don’t light personal fireworks at the beach. The loud sounds and bright lights from fireworks can disorient and disrupt nesting (and hatching) sea turtles and shorebirds.