It’s turtle hatching season! From May through October, visitors and locals alike can witness the wonder of baby turtles emerging from their nests and making their way to the ocean.
During this time, it’s important to remember that sea turtles are a protected species, and it’s crucial to respect their habitat and nesting areas. To ensure their safety, beachgoers are advised to keep their distance from marked nesting sites and refrain from using flashlights or taking flash photography at night, as this can disorient the hatchlings and prevent them from reaching the water.
If you’re lucky enough to witness a turtle hatching, it’s an unforgettable experience. The tiny turtles instinctively follow the light of the moon to guide them to the water and watching them make their way across the sand is a true testament to the resilience of nature.
In addition to being a memorable experience for visitors, turtle hatching season is also an important reminder of the need for conservation efforts. Sea turtles face many threats, including habitat loss, pollution, and climate change, and it’s up to everyone to work together to protect these protected creatures.
Nesting season is typically between March and October. If you see a sea turtle hatching event, it’s adventitious to do the following:
- Keep your distance
- Turn off any lights you are using
- Crouch down low
- Be quiet
- Stay behind or to the side of the hatchlings
- If the hatchlings head in the wrong direction, try and create natural barriers like piles of sand to encourage them to go the other way towards the ocean.
