It’s sea turtle nesting season here along the beautiful beaches of southeastern North Carolina. From Wrightsville Beach to Surf City, our coastal sands are once again hosting one of nature’s most awe-inspiring events: female sea turtles crawling ashore to lay their eggs. But while beachgoers flock to the shore to enjoy the sun and surf, these gentle, endangered creatures are facing threats they shouldn’t have to, some of which are entirely preventable.
One of the lesser-known but serious threats to sea turtle nests? Dog waste left behind on our beaches.
How Dog Waste Endangers Sea Turtle Nests
It might seem harmless, but when pet owners leave dog feces on the sand, it creates a chain reaction that can directly impact the survival of sea turtle hatchlings. Here’s how:
1. Dog Waste Attracts Predators
Dog feces emit strong, lingering odors that attract scavengers like raccoons, foxes, coyotes, and even opportunistic birds like gulls. Once these animals are drawn to a beach in search of food, they often stumble upon turtle nests.
These predators may:
Dig up and consume turtle eggs
Destroy or trample nests while scavenging
Linger in the area, disrupting future nesting activity
Even if they don’t find food, the mere presence of these predators makes the beach less hospitable for nesting turtles, who are extremely sensitive to environmental disturbances. This can discourage nesting in future seasons.
2. Dog Waste Harms the Sand and Nesting Habitat
Beyond drawing predators, uncollected dog waste introduces harmful bacteria and excessive nutrients into the beach ecosystem. This can have several damaging effects:
Contaminated sand may reduce successful egg incubation
Bacteria can spread disease to vulnerable hatchlings
Excess nutrients can alter the microbial balance of the sand, disrupting the delicate conditions sea turtle eggs require to survive
When you think about the immense journey sea turtles make, from hatchling to adulthood and back again decades later to lay their own eggs, it’s heartbreaking to know that something as simple as a forgotten poop bag could derail that process.
Every Pile Left Behind Puts Sea Turtles at Risk
At DoodyCalls of Wilmington, we’re passionate about keeping our communities clean and safe, not just for people, but for wildlife, too. Every uncollected pile of pet waste doesn’t just create a nuisance for beachgoers; it poses a real ecological threat. And with most sea turtle species listed as endangered or threatened, we can't afford to ignore the impact of our everyday actions.
We’re lucky to live in a region that deeply values its sea turtles. Just look at the amazing work done by the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Surf City. Their dedication reminds us that every sea turtle life matters, from the moment an egg is laid in the sand to the day a healthy adult returns to nest.
Promote Responsible Pet Ownership at the Beach
As a beachgoer and pet owner, you can be part of the solution. Here’s how:
Always bring waste bags with you when walking your dog on the beach.
Dispose of waste in proper receptacles, never leave bags buried in the sand or tossed near dunes.
If you’re a property manager, HOA, or municipal official, consider installing pet waste stations at beach access points to make it easier for visitors to do the right thing.
Convenient access to waste bags and disposal bins makes a world of difference in encouraging responsible behavior and reducing harmful pollution.
DoodyCalls of Wilmington: Your Local Partner in Pet Waste Solutions
At DoodyCalls of Wilmington, we offer affordable, environmentally friendly pet waste solutions tailored for coastal communities. Whether you manage a beach town, public park, residential neighborhood, or boardwalk, we can help:
Sell and install high-quality pet waste stations
Provide refillable waste bags and maintenance plans
Educate communities about the importance of clean, pet-friendly spaces
We’re proud to support efforts that protect wildlife and keep our beaches pristine for all to enjoy, two-legged and four-legged visitors alike.
A Shared Responsibility, A Simple Solution
Sea turtles have been nesting on our beaches for generations. It’s up to us to ensure they still have a safe place to return to. Picking up after your dog might feel like a small act, but it has a ripple effect that can help preserve a species, protect a habitat, and maintain the natural beauty of our coastlines.
So next time you leash up your pup for a beach walk, don’t forget your waste bags, and don’t hesitate to speak up if you notice others leaving waste behind. Together, we can be part of a cleaner, healthier, and more turtle-friendly community.
Let’s protect what makes our beaches special, one scoop at a time.
Interested in installing pet waste stations at your beach or community access point? Contact DoodyCalls of Wilmington today to learn more about our products and services. Let’s make your coastal space cleaner and safer, for pets, people, and sea turtles alike.