The Most Wonderful Time of the Year: Sea Turtle Nesting Season!
By Karlee Szympruch, Sea Turtle Technician
It’s that time of year! The weather is warmer, the days are longer and Bald Head Island is flourishing with life. As stewards of BHI, we welcome all island visitors with open arms, but one local needs a warmer welcome than most: our resident loggerhead sea turtles. These majestic creatures are making their way back home to nest on the beautiful beaches of BHI from May 1 to October 31. As we begin the 2024 nesting season, the Bald Head Island Conservancy would like to remind everyone to be mindful of the beach and its natural inhabitants during these months. Please remember:
- Do not disturb nesting sea turtles or hatchlings.
- NO light is allowed when viewing sea turtles, unless permitted by the state.
- If you observe either a nesting sea turtle or hatchling on the beaches this summer, please turn off all lights (even RED), keep quiet, and watch at a respectable distance to not alter their natural behavior.
- Only RED light is allowed on BHI beaches at night.
- BHI Ordinances, Article 3, Section 10-81.
- Stop by Turtle Central to purchase a RED flashlight or headlamp!
- BHIC asks that all outdoor & indoor lights projecting onto the beach be turned off.
- Sea turtles rely on the darkness of the beach and the relative brightness of the ocean to nest and find their way to the sea. Artificial light can confuse and disorient both nesting females and hatchlings.
- If you see a injured/dead/nesting sea turtle, hatchlings or eggs, please call BHIC’s Wildlife Response Hotline at (910)-457-0089 x5
- Completely fill in ALL holes and flatten sand structures on the beach.
- Remove ALL property from the beach.
- Dogs MUST be on a leash from sunset to sunrise.
BHI residents and visitors play a vital role in the conservation of our sea turtles! BHIC’s Sea Turtle Protection Team (STPT)looks forward to seeing everyone on the beach this summer. Thank you for doing your part to make Bald Head Island a safe haven for sea turtles and more! To learn more about the sea turtles that call Bald Head Island home, please come visit the Conservancy’s Fleming Environmental Education Center or attend one of our education programs.
To stay up to date with the STPT and other events happening at the Conservancy, follow our social media accounts:@bhiconservancy on Facebook and Instagram.
