Sea turtle nesting season starts along Cape Fear coast

SOUTHEASTERN NC (WWAY) — Today is the start of the sea turtle nesting season in the Cape Fear region.

While there hasn’t been any nests seen in our area yet, it’s expected to get busy within the upcoming weeks.

The nesting season runs roughly from May through August. Sea turtle hatchings begin in July and may continue into October.

Beachgoers are reminded to follow these tips if they come across a sea turtle on shore.

• Stay at least 25 feet away from any turtle.
• Do not approach a crawling turtle. She may leave before nesting if feeling threatened.
• Do not use a flashlight or flash bulb if come across a sea turtle at night.
• Be quiet and still. Noise and motion can be perceived as threatening.
• Keep exterior lights off, or shielded, from the oceanfront if property is oceanfront.
• Keeps pets away from sea turtles and nest sites.
• Alert the sea turtle project nearest to the nest so they can tag and protect the nest.
• Call the statewide sea turtle emergency number (252-241-7367) if spot a sick or injured turtle.

For more information, go to www.seaturtle.org/groups/ncwrc/overview.html.

On average, a total of 468 sea turtles strand in North Carolina each year.