North Myrtle Beach protected nest #3

The beaches had already been raked, high tide had also erased the crawl below the high tide line, so no evidence of the crawl was left that would lead volunteers to the body pit (nest), the only signs left were the body pit itself.  As we encounter hundreds of holes and disturbed sand while looking for a possible crawl or nest, it is very difficult to find sometimes if the signs are gone, or very faint from wind-blown sand, rainstorms, high tides or raking done on the beaches. Thankfully Horry County Sanitation had spoken to NMB STP Volunteers, about a Sea Turtle they had encountered during the early hours of their morning shift.  Horry County Sanitation immediately sent a photo of the location to the NMB STP Hotline. The location was soon found by the NMB STP Volunteers.

Probing is very carefully done, as not to break any eggs. This is how the nest will be found.  

And yes we have a nest.  Because this nest is located on an unsafe section of the beach, it will safely be relocated and protected on a safer part of the beach.  128 eggs in this nest

While working to relocate this nest to a safer part of the beach, NMB STP Volunteers do what they love, sharing their passion and knowledge with all that happen to come upon the nest.

After the nest is relocated, a cage to protect the nest, rope and poles are put up, with a sign indicating this is a protected endangered Sea Turtle nest.  

Endangered Sea Turtle nest in NMB protected nest Number 3

All Sea Turtles are endangered, they are federally, and state protected.  Special guidelines, training and permits are required to work with Nesting Sea Turtles, nest, hatchlings and strandings.

If you are in NMB or Briarcliffe areas and encounter a Sea Turtle please call the NMB STP Hotline.

NMB STP HOTLINE

843-213-9074

ANYTIME DAY OR NIGHT