The 2026 Sea Turtle nesting season at Caswell Beach starts in May and can extend well into August. For Caswell Beach Turtle Watch, there is generally a daily mix of false crawls, new nests, or nothing at all. Add in our stranded turtle response, public education events, fundraising, and it makes for a busy summer schedule.
However, this year, the mama sea turtles are keeping us on our toes. And it’s taking extra hands to respond to it all.
False Crawls are generally a definitive in and out to and from the beach, where the mama says “nope”, and leaves to try another place, usually on another day. Sometimes the location is just not right, the crawl or the digging is tough, or something spooks the mama. Several of our false crawls this year have looked deceptively like genuine nests, prompting some long searches with no nests found.
Mamas are also preferring certain stretches of beach, but also nesting in some crazy and challenging locations.
With the beach refurbishment, the mamas have alot to choose from, and it’s allowing them to be a bit pickier. Some of the sand is harder, some fluffier. And even though there’s alot more beach, two mama turtles seemed to want the same spot!
It’s proving to be an active nesting season, which is welcome after last year’s lower nest numbers. Here are some highlights from our first few weeks of the season.
**This conservation work for protected sea turtles on Caswell Beach is authorized by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (ES Permit 26ST03).
Please consider donating to our efforts as we build up our necessary resources for the season.
You can donate at Caswell Beach Turtle Watch Donations.
YOU CAN HELP! If you see a sea turtle mama coming onto the beach and and attempting to nest, please call our hotline immediately (910-368-6323) to notify us. During sea turtle season, we monitor 24/7. Please educate your family, friends, neighbors and especially – your renters. ALWAYS feel free to reach out to us if there is a concern, or you have questions. (All contact info is at the top of the page.)
PLEASE PRINT AND SHARE our Sea Turtle Info Sheet below. If you own a rental or are a renter, please post this for visitors to see. Greater education and understanding will lead to more happy and healthy sea turtles gracing our beaches. Every little bit helps!
