Ways to help protect sea turtles on North Carolina beaches during nesting season

SURF CITY, N.C. (WWAY) — As temperatures rise, it’s not just people heading to North Carolina’s beaches.

In the weeks ahead, visitors may find themselves sharing the shoreline with nesting sea turtles and shorebirds searching for safe places to raise their young. Birds like skimmers and oystercatchers have already begun competing for space along the sandy ends of barrier islands such as Wrightsville Beach. Meanwhile, the state has recorded an early “false crawl” from a sea turtle, even though nesting season typically doesn’t begin until May 1, according to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

Coexisting on the beach isn’t always easy. Coastal wildlife is often at a disadvantage as growing numbers of people continue to flock to North Carolina’s shores, adding to the many challenges these animals already face beyond the wild off the beach.

Still, officials say a few simple steps can help give these animals a better chance during their time on the beach.

“Seeing a sea turtle on the beach is a wonderful, rare experience,” said Terry Meyer, deputy and conservation director at the Karen Beasley Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Surf City. “But just keep a respectful distance while enjoying it.”