Helpful Information on Sea Turtles

Many of us that enjoy the beaches of Sunset Beach may not realize how important the beach is to the local sea turtle population. Loggerhead Sea Turtles are the most common visitors to NC beaches as far as turtles are concerned and are considered an endangered species. Below are some tips to remember regarding sea turtles while on your next trip to the beach.

At night, please turn off all outside lights and flashlights. Lights can confuse the female turtles and keep them from nesting. Lights can also confuse hatchlings and make them want to travel away from the ocean.

Please remove all beach gear from the beach everyday to ensure the Sea Turtles do not become stuck in items left on the beach over night.

The turtles can become trapped in holes dug and left on the beach. Please fill in any holes before you leave the beach for the day.

If you see an adult sea turtle coming up on shore, please keep your distance to keep from scaring the turtle and causing it to go back into the water before nesting.

Carmel Zetts, of Sunset Beach, hosts a Sunday night Sea Turtle lecture on the front porch of our office - with lots of helpful information and fun props. It is held the first Sunday of June (June 6, 2010) until the last Sunday of August (August 29, 2010)at 7:00 pm. For more information on Loggerhead Sea Turtles and other rules and regulations you might need to know before traveling to the beach, visit the Sunset Beach Turtle Watch website at: www.sunsetbeachturtles.org

Written By: Casey Holcombe - Rental Manager, Sunset Properties