Florida beachgoers urged to protect sea turtle hatchlings and shorebirds during the holiday weekend

Florida – Florida residents and visitors heading to the beach during the long holiday weekend are being reminded that the shore is still a busy place for wildlife. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is asking beachgoers to take a few simple steps to protect sea turtles, hatchlings and shorebirds as nesting and migration activity continues along Florida’s coast.

Sea turtle nesting season is still underway, and hatchlings are continuing to emerge from nests and make their way toward the ocean. At the same time, some Florida beaches may still be home to flightless shorebird chicks that remain with their parents. For people enjoying the sand and water, officials say small changes in behavior can make a meaningful difference for wildlife.

One of the most important things beachgoers can do is keep their distance from nesting sea turtles and hatchlings. The FWC recommends staying at least 50 feet away. Getting too close can interrupt a female turtle while she is nesting or delay hatchlings as they attempt to travel from their nests to the water.

People should never attempt to pick up a hatchling or interfere with a sea turtle nest, eggs or nesting turtle. Such actions are illegal. Wildlife can also provide a clear warning when a person has moved too close. If a turtle or another animal changes its behavior because someone is approaching, that is a sign that more distance is needed.

Light is another concern, particularly after sunset. Artificial lighting from beachfront homes and properties can confuse sea turtles and their hatchlings. Instead of moving toward the ocean, turtles may be drawn toward lights and end up traveling in the wrong direction, potentially putting them in danger.

People staying at beachfront properties are encouraged to close curtains after dark and switch off outside lights whenever possible. Where exterior lighting is required near nesting beaches, the FWC recommends lighting that is long wavelength, mounted low and shielded.

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Beachgoers should also avoid using flashlights, cell phone lights or camera flashes on the beach at night. Even seemingly small sources of light can interfere with the natural movement of turtles during this important part of their life cycle.

Not every sea turtle will be found where people expect one. Hatchlings can sometimes become disoriented and end up on coastal sidewalks or roadways instead of reaching the water. Drivers traveling along coastal roads are encouraged to slow down and remain alert for wildlife as well as pedestrians.

Anyone who finds a sea turtle hatchling away from the beach or encounters an adult sea turtle that appears to be in distress should not try to handle the animal. Instead, the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline should be contacted at 888-404-FWCC (3922) for guidance.

Sea turtles are not the only animals that need extra room on Florida beaches. Shorebirds also depend on open stretches of sand for nesting, resting and finding food. Although the nesting season is beginning to wind down, flightless chicks and fledglings may still be present.

Beach visitors are also likely to encounter birds that use Florida as part of their migration route. Species such as piping plovers and red knots return to the state’s beaches to refuel during migration and remain in Florida through the winter.

Giving these birds plenty of space can help them conserve energy and avoid unnecessary stress. Rather than walking directly through groups of birds, beachgoers should go around them and allow the animals room to move or remain undisturbed.

Dogs require particular attention on beaches where pets are allowed. Owners are asked to keep their dogs leashed and well away from wildlife and posted areas. Even a friendly dog can appear to be a predator to a shorebird. That can cause adult birds to fly away from an area, leaving their flightless chicks exposed.

Beachgoers can also help wildlife simply by cleaning up before they leave. Chairs, umbrellas, toys and other equipment left on the sand can become obstacles for sea turtles. Hatchlings may have difficulty reaching the water, while adult turtles may be unable to reach suitable nesting areas.

Holes dug in the sand can create another hazard. The FWC recommends keeping any holes close to the water line, away from active sea turtle nests, and filling them in before leaving. An open hole can trap sea turtles, hatchlings or young shorebirds.

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Trash should be properly secured and removed from the beach as well. Waste can become an entanglement hazard and may attract predators that feed on young wildlife. Fishing line is especially dangerous and can injure or kill sea turtles, waterbirds and other animals.

The FWC encourages people with unwanted fishing line to dispose of it properly and use monofilament recycling stations when available.

Officials are also asking residents and visitors to leave personal fireworks off the beach. Loud explosions and bright flashes along beaches and nearby waterways can disorient sea turtles, hatchlings, waterbirds and young shorebirds. Keeping fireworks at home helps reduce another source of disturbance during a period when wildlife is already facing natural challenges.

The message from the FWC is straightforward: people do not have to stay away from Florida’s beaches to protect wildlife. Instead, they can share the shoreline responsibly by giving animals space, reducing artificial light, cleaning up equipment and trash, keeping dogs under control and watching carefully for wildlife.

For sea turtles and shorebirds, these small actions can help make Florida’s beaches safer throughout the remainder of nesting season, the hatchling period and the migration months ahead.