Sea turtle nesting season begins in Florida: Here’s what to know
Video above: Clearwater Marine Aquarium crews survey sea turtle nests in Pinellas County
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — It’s that time of year again when thousands of sea turtles emerge from the ocean to lay eggs along Florida’s beaches.
Sea turtle nesting season runs from March to October, but most of the Sunshine State’s nests begin popping up in May.
The 2023 season smashed records in Florida. Even on Sanibel Island, which was hit hard by the Category 5 Hurricane Ian in 2022.
Alligator mating season begins in Florida: Here’s what to know
Wildlife officials attributed it to the statewide trend, but also noted that homes and businesses had yet to return to the island, which drastically reduced light pollution and other manmade hazards.
South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Alabama also reported especially high nesting numbers last year.
Wildlife officials urge Florida residents and vacationers to help the endangered turtles and hatchlings find their way by keeping lights off at night or drawing the curtains. Exterior lights can be especially dangerous because the animals mistake them for the moon and mistakenly head toward the buildings instead of the ocean.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) laid out guidelines for lighting on its website.
To help keep the turtles safe, beachgoers should remove all chairs, toys and trash when they leave for the day. Those items, plus sandcastles and holes, are major obstacles for nesting turtles and their hatchlings.
It is illegal to disturb, feed or harm sea turtles and their nests in Florida.
Floridians are urged to report sick, injured, dead or entangled sea turtles to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline (888) 404-3922. They can also contact sea turtle rescue groups in their area.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
