Pet owners can also help by keeping dogs at home or on a short leash and away from wildlife on pet-friendly beaches. In general, it is best to keep at least 300 feet from nesting birds and to avoid walking through flocks of birds or entering posted areas. Shorebirds and seabirds' nest in shallow scrapes in the sand and their eggs and chicks are well-camouflaged, making them vulnerable to being stepped on unless people look out for them and avoid walking though flocks of birds. Shorebirds, seabirds and wading birds also need plenty of space to prevent them from flushing from their breeding sites, leaving vulnerable eggs and chicks exposed to the elements and predators. Egg temperatures can increase to lethal levels after just a few minutes of direct sun exposure. Remember – it is illegal to harm or disturb nesting sea turtles and their nests, eggs and hatchlings. Getting too close (50 feet or less) to nesting sea turtles can cause them to leave the beach before they complete nesting. If lighting could still be visible from the beach, be sure it is long, low and shielded. Anyone living along or visiting Florida beaches can do their part by putting porch, parking or deck lights out and closing curtains after dark to avoid harming nesting and hatchling sea turtles on the beach. Beachgoers should use natural starlight to see on the beach at night and avoid using flashlights or cellphones. To find a monofilament recycling station near you, visit .Īny lighting can misdirect and disturb nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings, leading them away from the ocean and toward potential danger. Fishing line can be deadly to sea turtles, waterbirds and other wildlife, so be sure to dispose of it properly. Litter on beaches can entangle sea turtles, birds and other wildlife. Beachgoers can help our native wildlife by stashing all trash, filling in human-made holes in the sand, and removing boats, beach toys and furniture from the beach before sunset. Food scraps attract predators, such as raccoons and crows, that prey on sea turtle hatchlings, shorebird eggs and chicks. Trash, holes in the sand and other obstacles can also prevent sea turtle hatchlings from reaching the water once they emerge from their nests. Obstacles on the beach can prevent sea turtles from nesting as they crawl across the sand to lay their eggs. ![]() To help nesting sea turtles and waterbirds, give them space, minimize disturbances, and keep beaches clean and dark. ![]() ![]() Because our state’s shorelines are critical for sea turtles and waterbird nesting, beachgoers can have a big impact on their nesting success.
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