Holden Beach Turtle Hatching

We are very lucky here at Holden Beach for many reasons, one of which is that we are a nesting beach for the Loggerhead Sea Turtle. The loggerhead Turtle is a Threatened Species that is protected under the Endangered Species Act, so harassing a sea turtle, even a baby, is illegal.

The Loggerhead starts nesting on our beach at night in mid May and continues to nest thru August and sometimes into September. The babies start hatching in July, usually continuing into October. There are things that you as a vacationer can do to help.

1. Sea turtles dig the dark so please keep outside lighting off as the lights can disorient the mother and babies.
2. If you are out walking on the beach at night we would like you to use red flashlight covers that are available at all rental agencies.
3. If you see a mother Loggerhead coming out of the water please turn off your light, stand still and be quiet and you may be able to witness the mother laying her eggs.
4. If you come to a nest with our turtle volunteers (Red shirts that say TURTLE PATROL) feel free to stop and talk and ask questions - we enjoy the company.

The Turtle Patrol also maintains a Stranding Team, which aids and assists deceased and injured turtles. Call the 24 hour local pager number 754-0766 (a toll free call from the Holden Beach area) to report mother turtles laying their nests, stranded turtles, or unattended hatchlings. Leave your numeric message (phone number) and stand by for a return call. For additional information, videos, photos and lots more, visit www.hbTurtleWatch.org.