May 1 marks the official start of turtle season. There are several nests already present! The sea turtle nesting season on our Gulf Coast runs from May through October.
- It is against the law to touch or disturb nesting sea turtles, hatchlings, or their nests. Sea turtles are protected by both the Federal Endangered Species Act and the Florida Marine Protection Act.
- If you see an injured or dead sea turtle, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) or *FWC from your cell phone. Be prepared to answer these questions: What is the exact location of the animal? Is the turtle alive or dead? What is the approximate size of the turtle? Is the turtle marked with spray paint? (This indicates that the turtle has been documented.) What is the location of the closest access point to the turtle?
- Avoid going to the beach at night. If you must be on the beach at night, limit your walking and do not use flashlights or flash photography. The light may cause the female to abort the nesting process, or other sea turtles nearby may be discouraged from nesting if there are lights on the beach.
- Turn off outside lanai and balcony lights and shield indoor lights from shining directly onto the beach by closing the drapes/blinds at night. Lights disturb nesting sea turtles and hatchlings. The City of Bonita Springs has lighting ordinances and will fine noncompliant owners. Please make sure your beachfront lights are in compliance with the law.
- Avoid disturbing marked sea turtle nests. These are clearly staked and boxed with tape to protect the nest area.
- When crossing a berm/dune, please use designated crossovers and walkways. Do not climb over the berms/dunes or disturb the vegetation that lives there.
- and please take your trash with when you leave the beach