It's turtle nesting season on Sanibel

According to the City of Sanibel, turtle nesting season runs from the end of May through October on the beaches of Sanibel Island. That is the season when turtles come ashore and build their nests. Over the course of the season, the hatchlings emerge from the nests and head for the water.

At least, that is nature's plan. The hatchlings are attracted by the moonlight reflecting off the Gulf water. It's been that way for centuries. It always worked.

These days, however, human activity threatens to alter the pattern - and destroy the hatch.

Beach lighting, from beachfront housing, can confuse the baby turtles and send them scrambling up the beach instead of down to the water. There, they become dehydrated and easy prey for birds.

As a result, City codes require that lights on the beach be doused or deflected during turtle nesting season.

Word to humans who visit Sanibel during nesting season is to be very careful on the beaches, don't walk in or disturb areas that have been identified as turtle nests, watch your step after dark, be cautious in any use of flashlights.

Let the turtles live.