Watch for Sea Turtle Hatchlings; Nesting Season Underway

Heading to the beach anytime soon? You'll want to watch out for sea turtles.

The sea turtle nesting season began Wendesday, May 1, in Florida.

There usually can be up to 120 nests made along beaches in the Tampa Bay area, with each nest having up to 110 eggs, according to experts at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

Because hatchlings find their way to the water following natural light reflected onto the water, residents and businesses near the beach should make sure to shut off or dim lights at night through Oct. 31.

This can reduce the amount of artificial light and help the newly hatched turtles safely reach the water.

Related coverage:

• Debby Doesn't Curtail Records Setting Turtle Nesting Season
• Sea Turtle Nests Nearly Wiped Out by Debby
• First Sea Turtle Nest of Season Hatches in Wake of Debby

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