Life’s a beach at many Pinellas County parks and preserves.
A remind for beachgoers to keep a few things in mind to make the experience safe and fun for themselves and the wildlife along the Gulf of Mexico.
Stingrays are common in the shallow waters of the coastline, sometimes partially covered by sand. While not aggressive, stingrays sting with their tail when stepped on. To avoid a sting, do the “Stingray Shuffle”, simply shuffling feet & kicking up sand when wading into coastal waters,rather than taking full steps. See more stingray safety tips HERE.
Another animal is the sea turtle. Sea turtles typically nest along the coastline – May to October. When nesting, adult female sea turtles come ashore, digs a hole in the sand and lays about 100 to 150 eggs, covering them before returning to water. Over the next couple of months, when eggs hatch, these tiny hatchlings make their way across the beach into the sea, being directed by moon light.
Sea turtle nests are marked by trained monitors with wooden stakes & yellow ribbon. Disturbing the nests or the sea turtles themselves is against the law. If beachgoers come across a nesting sea turtle, hatchlings or a nest, keep a safe distance – avoid getting between turtles and the water as this may prevent them from reaching the Gulf. Other obstacles include chairs, umbrellas and other debris left along the beach. Beachgoers should remove these items after each visit to keep the path clear for nesting sea turtles and hatchlings. Pinellas County Coastal Management prevents or mitigates impacts to sea turtles during beach nourishment projects. Artificial light can also disrupt the nesting process, disorienting hatchlings and leading them away from the water. Give hatchlings a better chance at survival. See Seaturtle Conservancy’s Nesting Dos and Don’ts HERE.
Nesting animals of the winged variety can also be found in some parks and preserves, and they too are best viewed from a distance. According to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, people should avoid entering areas with posted shorebird /seabird signs, keep dogs on a leash and away from nesting areas, properly dispose of trash to keep predators away and avoid flying kites near nesting areas. When birds become aggravated, people are too close. See more shore bird safety HERE.