05/23/2023
Turtles!!!
π’ Great news! Escambia County Sea Turtle Patrol volunteers recorded the first nest of the 2023 season on Pensacola Beach early Saturday morning, May 20, with help from nearby hotel staff who spotted the nest before volunteers arrived. The nest is a loggerhead, which account for 90% of nests laid in Escambia County.
β Memorial Day weekend is coming up, and with more nests expected in the coming weeks, keeping nesting sea turtles and other coastal wildlife safe is vital. Remember the following when you're out on the beach this summer:
- Lights Out! Female turtles prefer dark, quiet beaches for nesting and hatchlings need dark skies to find the Gulf of Mexico. Leave the flashlights and cell phones at home or use a red flashlight when on the beach at night. Turn off beach-facing lights and close windows and curtains to keep our beaches dark.
- Leave No Trace! Remove all furniture and toys from the beach when youβre done for the day, including hammocks, tents, canopies, chairs, toys and sports equipment.
- Stow It, Donβt Throw it! Trash and food waste can entangle turtles and other wildlife and attract unwanted predators. Always dispose of trash in the proper receptacle and refrain from feeding wildlife.
- If You Dig It, Fill It! Large holes are hazardous to both wildlife and people. Avoid digging large holes and fill in any holes, trenches or moats at the end of your visit.
π Learn more about keeping sea turtles safe at MyEscambia.com/seaturtles