Bald Head Island is not only home to a wealth of adventure but also endless things to see on your adventures. This includes an array of wildlife that call the North Carolina island home, including turtles. Arguably, the most popular residents on Bald Head Island, these animals are a treat to see. However, it’s important you have an understanding of what to do if you see one. To help you have a turtle encounter that’s safe for both you and the turtle, the Munroe Properties team has put together this guide.
What Types of Turtles Are Found on Bald Head Island?
There are several different species that live or nest around the island, including green sea turtles, loggerhead sea turtles, and Kemp’s ridley sea turtles. While loggerheads are the most common, there’s still a chance you might see the others offshore or nesting. Take some time to learn about the animals you may spot and how to differentiate them.
Conservation Efforts and How to Protect Turtles
Nesting season in North Carolina generally runs from May through October, with June and July being peak nesting. During a nesting cycle, female turtles come out of the water at night and dig a nest above the high-tide line. One turtle can lay around 100 eggs, which will incubate for 55 to 65 days. Once hatched, the baby turtles will make their journey to the ocean.
During nesting season, Bald Head Island Conservancy members can go on a turtle walk, where they will learn about the group’s conservation program. After, they will head to the beach to see if they spot any nesting or hatching activity.
Conservation Efforts and How to Protect Turtles
Bald Head Island Conservancy is a leader in monitoring, research, and nest protection efforts on the island. Their program includes nightly patrols during nesting season, marking and protecting nests, tracking and tagging, and hosting education programs.
Artificial light is one of the biggest threats to hatchlings as it can disorient them away from the ocean. This is why doing something as easy as turning off beachfront lights at night is such an easy way to help. If you’re going to be out on the beach after the sun goes down, use a red flashlight or put a red sticker on your phone. While white light can disorient turtles, they can’t see red light.
Other ways you can help include:
- Filling in holes on the beach
- Packing up your beach gear and not leaving it on the shoreline overnight
- Using reusable shopping bags
- Staying off marked nesting areas
- Keeping a respectful distance from any turtle you come upon
Enjoy Mother Nature’s Beauty on a Bald Head Island Vacation
Whether out looking for turtles or enjoying a peaceful day kayaking, there are endless ways to enjoy breathtaking beauty on a North Carolina vacation to Bald Head Island. Surround yourself in stunning scenery by renting from Munroe Properties. Our inventory of well-appointed vacation rentals on Bald Head Island includes homes with ocean views and rentals found in the maritime forest. To learn more about the amenities found at our Bald Head Island rentals, call 910-363-4955.
Bald Head Island is not only known for its laid-back atmosphere, but also for its array of outdoor adventures. Whether playing a round of golf or kayaking a local waterway, there’s no shortage of things to do in the Great Outdoors. During your outdoor adventures, keep your eyes open for the animals that call our island home. To help you know what critters you might spot during your getaway with Munroe Properties, we’ve put together a list of wildlife in North Carolina found on Bald Head Island.
A Guide to Animals You May See on Your Bald Head Island Vacation
Thanks to its protected habitats, Bald Head Island supports a stunning diversity of species. The same maritime forest, salt marsh, dunes, beaches, and freshwater lagoons that are the site of endless fun are also where you can see reptiles, amphibians, birds, and more.
Remember, if you see wildlife out on your adventures, do not feed or approach them. Not only can this be dangerous, but it may also lead to fines.
Amphibians & Reptiles
One of the most popular residents on Bald Head Island is the loggerhead sea turtle. These animals lay hundreds of nests a year, with roughly 7,000 hatchlings emerging each season. One of the best ways to get a safe look at the turtles is on Turtle Walks with the Bald Head Island Conservancy.
Other turtle species that occasionally nest on Bald Head Island include green, leatherback, and Kemp’s ridley. Bald Head Island is also home to American alligators, which roam most freshwater lagoons. You can also spot them sunning near golf course ponds.
Birds
Bald Head Island is an Audubon-designated Important Bird Area. With over 260 bird species recorded, the North Carolina island is a great place for birdwatchers. The marshes are great places to see snowy egrets, great blue herons, and oystercatchers. Head to the forest and you can see painted buntings, cardinals, and seasonal warblers. Sign up for a birding tour to learn more about winged visitors.
Mammals
You don’t have to look at the trees to see wildlife on your adventures on dry land. Common first mammals include gray squirrels, raccoons, and white-tailed deer. You might also spot red and gray foxes.
See What You Can Find on Your Bald Head Island Vacation
You never know what you’ll find on your escape to Bald Head Island. From getting an up-close look at wildlife in North Carolina to discovering treasures on a shopping adventure, there’s something to see or find everywhere you look. Make sure you’re well-rested for whatever adventures fill your itinerary by turning to Munroe Properties for your rental needs.
Our inventory includes well-appointed homes all over Bald Head Island, including the maritime forest. All of our rentals include fully-equipped kitchens, cozy bedrooms, and spacious living areas. Call 910-363-4955 to learn more about our places to stay on Bald Head Island.