Photo of Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles courtesy of the National Park Service – public domain

Rare sea turtles nesting along North Carolina beaches

Experts are asking North Carolina beachgoers to tread lightly after rare Kemp’s ridley sea turtles were spotted laying their eggs on Bald Head Island and Atlantic Beach. Kemp’s ridley sea turtles have never been recorded on Bald Head Island and have been recorded just one other time in Atlantic Beach.

Kemp’s ridley are the rarest sea turtles and are classified as endangered. Should you spot a nesting sea turtle, experts ask that you stay at least 50 feet away. If you take photos or video of the turtle, do not use a flash or light of any kind, as light discourages female turtles from nesting. Beachgoers are also asked not to leave beach furniture or holes in the sand which can impede turtles during their trek through