Early morning NMB STP Volunteers have found a crawl. Unfortunately, it is determined to be a false crawl. We are able to easily determine this by looking at the crawl and seeing that she came to shore and just did a turn around. no signs of digging or thrown sand.
Sometimes it is a natural process for the Sea Turtle to come to shore and turn around, going back into the ocean without nesting. There are many unknowns as to why she does this, was she checking out the beach to come back at a time she is ready to nest? is the sand not quite right for her? to just name a few.
But sometimes The Sea Turtles may come across human interactions. Bright lights, loud noises, are just a few. While it is not only illegal to harass, touch, shine lights on or in any way interfere with a nesting Sea Turtle, it is also detrimental.
Sea turtles have already made a long journey to come to these beaches to nest. They are out of their natural environment and safety of the ocean. When they come to shore to nest, they have to drag their heavy bodies out of the water only using their flippers. They will crawl as far up to the dunes, dig a hole that could be a couple feet deep or more using just their back flippers. She will then lay her eggs, burry them, throw sand with their flippers to try to disguise the nest and then head back to the ocean. So please if you encounter a Nesting Sea Turtle please stay away and let her nest in peace, she is doing her job to ensure the survival of the Sea Turtle Species.
If you encounter a Nesting Sea Turtle, Hatchling or stranding in NMB or Briarcliffe areas please call
NMB STP HOTLINE
843-213-9074
ANYTIME DAY OR NIGHT
All Sea Turtles are endangered, they are federally, and state protected. Special training, guidelines and permits are required to work with Sea Turtles.
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