5 things to know about sea turtle nesting season along the NC coast | MyReporter
On May 6, Oak Island had something to celebrate: the Oak Island Sea Turtle Protection Program took to Facebook to announce its first sea turtle nest of the season — also the first nest of the year in North Carolina.
In the coming months, many female sea turtles will follow, making their way onto local beaches to lay their eggs.
Here’s what you need to know about sea turtles.
When do sea turtles come ashore?
Sea turtle nesting season occurs each year from May through September. According to a fact sheet from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, female sea turtles emerge from the ocean at night, and using their flippers, dig an 18-inch-deep hole that will serve as the nest where she will deposit 80 to 120 eggs. After laying the eggs, she covers the nest and returns to sea.
What happens to the babies?
After about a 60-day incubation period, the hatchlings emerge and make their way to the ocean. Only about one in 1,000 hatchlings will live to reproduce.
More: As weather warms, nesting shorebirds and sea turtles join people heading to NC's beaches
Are there different kinds of sea turtles?
Yes. There are seven species of sea turtles worldwide, and five visit the beaches of N.C. According to information from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, the most common in North Carolina is the loggerhead, but one may also see leatherback, green, hawksbill, and Kemp’s ridley.
How can I help sea turtles?
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s fact sheet lists the following tips:
Use red filters on flashlights when talking on the beach at night.
Do not disturb nesting sea turtles.
Turn off outside lights facing the beach front during sea turtle nesting season.
Keep dogs on a leash.
Reduce beach traffic around sea turtle nests.
Properly dispose of trash.
Be mindful of sea turtles when boating or using watercraft.
Volunteer with the Commission, the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital, or a beach clean-up crew.
Join a conservation organization.
Donate to the N.C. Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Fund.
More: Find the answers to all your questions in one place with MyReporter
Who do I contact if I see a sea turtle on the beach?
The N.C. Sea Turtle Project works with 20 different volunteer groups. Contact information for each is available at nc-wild.org/seaturtles/contacts, or call the statewide sea turtle hotline at 252-241-7367.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Sea turtle nesting season has started at beaches along the NC coast
