FOLLY TURTLES

Spotting Turtle Tracks

Experience the magic of witnessing a sea turtle’s journey by tracking their steps during the wee hours of dawn. These graceful creatures make their way to the shore overnight, leaving behind distinctive “tractor” marks in the sand as they crawl in search of a nesting site. To glimpse these tracks, be sure to venture away from the water’s edge and instead, follow the guideline of the last high tide. Keep your eyes peeled between the line and the dry sand leading towards the dune or houses. It’s crucial to be careful not to step on the crawl or a potential nesting site.

Note your location and landmarks and immediately inform the Folly Beach Public Safety team at 843-588-2433. The Turtle Crew will then step in to document and assess the crawl, determining if any eggs have been laid. Embrace this opportunity to witness the beauty of nature, while also playing a vital role in protecting these majestic creatures.

Clear Debris from the Beach

Keeping our beaches clean and safe is everyone’s responsibility. We can start by removing all debris, especially plastics like cups, bottles, bags, and fishing lines. Not only does this prevent waste from being swept into the ocean by strong winds or high tides, but it also keeps any trash from being mistaken as a food source by marine animals like sea turtles, dolphins, and fish.

Besides cleaning up after ourselves, we should also be sure that the beach is safe for the small hatchlings journeying to the ocean. Filling in the holes kids make during playtime may appear like a minor action, yet it can be a big help for these tiny animals. By doing so, we enable them to speed along their way without getting trapped or disoriented. Seeing a hatchling's struggles as it tries to crawl out of a footprint can enlighten us on the way they perceive things and the obstacles they must overcome.

Let’s all do our part in preserving our beaches and protecting the creatures that call them home. Every small action counts, and together we can make a big impact.

Helping Folly's Hatchlings: Allowing Safe Crawls to the Ocean

Seeing a newborn turtle making its way out of its nest is an enchanting experience. However, it’s crucial to resist the urge to pick them up and carry them to the ocean. By doing so, we risk disrupting their natural behavior and hindering their survival. Hatchlings need to “imprint” on their natal beach to ensure they can navigate back to the same beach to nest when they mature. Instead of picking them up, we should guide them on a path to the ocean and cheer them on. Reporting any hatchling emergence or crawl activity to the proper authorities is also important. We can help protect these vulnerable creatures and make sure they stay alive by phoning 843-588-2433.

Protecting Folly’s Sea Turtles: Practicing ‘Lights Out’ to Ensure Hatchling Survival

Artificial lights affect the nesting and hatching of sea turtles. Brightly lit beaches are a deterrent to nesting females and a deathtrap for hatchlings. Instead of being attracted by the natural light of the moon and starlight on the surf, hatchlings move toward the brighter beams of streetlights, porch & deck lights, floodlights, interior lights, car headlights, flashlights, etc. They fail to find their way to the ocean quickly and become the victims of ghost crabs and gulls, or die from dehydration in the morning sun. Dark beaches are critical to sea turtle survival. Help educate others about the importance of “lights out for sea turtles!”



Source: Folly Beach Turtle Watch