Turtle season runs March 1 - October 31st in South Florida. Here are 7 tips to keep turtles safe. This list was created with the help of the Loggerhead Marinelife Center.
In June and July, you can visit a local sea turtle education center in Palm Beach County for the chance to join sea turtle experts on the beach. These guided sea turtle nesting walks are lead by Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) permitted sea turtle guides who can legally guide guests to observe one of the most magnificent process of nature - a nesting sea turtle.
1) The use of lights (flashlights or cellphone lights) on the beach is not permitted, lights disorient nesting sea turtles and sea turtle hatchlings.
2) Knockdown sandcastles and fill in holes to keep hatchlings safe.
3) Clean up trash on the beach, that will help to keep predators away and it will allow the sea turtle hatchlings to more safely make it into the ocean.
4) Report sick or stranded turtles. Put the Fish and Wildlife Center phone number in your phone, 1-888-404-3922 or *FWC.
5) Don't interfere with the nesting or hatching process.
6) Remove beach furniture in the evenings, replace it in the mornings, doing this will help to ensure sea turtles don't become trapped.
7) No fireworks or bonfires on the beach during nesting season, the noise and light can disturb turtles.
