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We post this information each turtle season; it was originally given to us by CEA.
It is nesting season for sea turtles at area beaches. México is home to six species, and four can be seen in Quintana Roo. All seven existing species are threatened or endangered.
Loggerheads are the first to arrive during May and nest through early August. They are followed by green turtles, whose nesting season begins mid-June and runs through September. Sightings of leatherbacks are extremely rare, while hawksbills nest on the northern shores of the peninsula.
During turtle season (May to October) you can help ensure the survival of these magnificent creatures by following these simple guidelines:
- Turn off or shield lights that face the beach. Light can disorient turtles. Please—no fires, no flash photos, no beach parties
- If you see a turtle on the beach, do not approach it. Move slowly and keep quiet.
- If you must walk on the beach at night, avoid making noise, avoid smoking, and use a flashlight with a red filter on it.
- Keep your pets indoors at night and keep an eye on them during the day. Dogs can scare turtles off the beach, destroy nests and eat hatchlings.
- Nests will be marked. Please do not disturb!
- Do not consume any turtle products.
- Remember that handling sea turtles without the proper authorization is a federal offense.
- Avoid harassing the turtles in the bays or reefs—regardless of the season.
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