Trappers have their own reasons for doing what they do. Many do it for the love of the sport, some do it to help control furbearer populations, others do it to help other wildlife species, and maybe even some do it for the money they receive from it. How many can say that they do it to help the sea turtle population? I am guessing not too many.
Recently, I had the opportunity to head down to South Carolina and meet up with Jim and Mackenzie Hart, a father and daughter professional trapping duo and alligator control agents for the state of South Carolina. These two trap for many reasons under many different scenarios. You may have already guessed that they trap to help the sea turtle population on the Barrier Islands in South Carolina. If that was your guess, then you are absolutely correct.
The loggerhead sea turtle is the state reptile of South Carolina.
Photo credit: Benjamin Galan/Shutterstock.com
The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is the state reptile of South Carolina and the most common sea turtle that nests along the shores of the state. Other species that also live on the barrier islands of South Carolina include the leatherback, green turtle and Kemp’s ridley.
While making the long drive from my home in central Illinois to South Carolina, I thought about the many ways I had previously thought of trappers as being conservationists. Like many reading this, it’s a no-brainer to trap coyotes that prey on white-tailed deer, raccoons and opossums destroying ground-nesting birds’ nests, otters that are destroying fish populations and so on. It never occurred to me that furbearers were actually hurting a sea turtle population.
But, it only makes sense. Many furbearers eat eggs, and what is easier to prey on than a nest of sea turtle eggs while the mother is off to sea, leaving the nest unprotected.
Statistics provided by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources show that predators have been a problem on the beaches for decades. From 1977–1979, research on the beaches determined that less than 8% of the turtles’ eggs hatched. In 1980-1982 raccoons were trapped and removed from the beaches. Nests were relocated and screened to protect them from predators. After those measures were taken to help reduce the number of predators, nest success rose to more than 80%.
Jim and Mackenzie Hart work behind the scenes to help the sea turtles nesting on South Carolina beaches. Photo credit Jason Houser.
Before we dig into protecting the sea turtle population through trapping, let’s learn a little about the sea turtles that Jim and Mackenzie are protecting, and the struggles these turtles face.
May marks the beginning of the loggerhead turtle nesting season for South Carolina’s many barrier islands. That means female loggerheads will be making their way onto the shores to deposit their eggs from May through August.
The turtles slowly crawl out of the water and make their way a good distance from the waterline so they can begin the process of digging a nest. Using their strong hind legs, female loggerheads dig until a pit is created that is deep enough to safely ensconce all of their eggs. Once the last egg is deposited, the female turtle will cover all of the eggs with sand, smooth the area with her shell, fling sand around to disguise any sign of her nest, and then crawl back down the beach and out into the ocean.
It takes about two months for the eggs to mature into hatchlings. When the hatchlings are ready, they dig out of the nest and make their way to the water. The hatchlings are guided by the moonlight that reflects off of the water, which is why it is extremely important to keep all artificial lights off at night during turtle season.
In 2016, raccoons were the leading predators harming the turtles. Simple tactics using dogproof traps assist with that problem. Photo credit: Jason Houser.
Any form of artificial light can cause the hatchlings to crawl in the wrong direction. This can be light from streetlamps, headlights, flashlights, cell phones, and lights on or in buildings and houses. Hatchlings that do not make it to the sea are often eaten by birds or other predators, especially if they are still on the beach when the sun rises.
It was very interesting for me to learn some important factors that help the young sea turtles have a fighting chance at survival. They include:
• All lights on the beach must be turned off at night from May 1 through October 31 by dusk.
• If lights from your house are visible on the beach, close all drapes by dusk.
• Never move turtle eggs or disturb a nest.
• If you dig holes in the sand or create a moat for a sandcastle, fill in the sand before leaving the beach. Holes present unnecessary obstacles for the young sea turtles.
• Do not approach any nesting sea turtle, eggs or hatchlings.
• Hatchlings do not need your help to reach the water. If you happen upon hatchlings making their way to the water, remember not to touch them or interfere in any way.
• Loggerheads are protected by local, state and federal laws.
• Remove all toys, chairs, umbrellas and anything else that you’ve brought to the beach for the day before leaving.
A variety of public agencies, such as the SCDNR, USFWS, South Carolina Department of Parks and Recreation, and Coastal Carolina University conduct nesting surveys and find ways to protect the nests. Altogether, more than 1,100 individuals participate in nest-monitoring activities in South Carolina each year. The data collected are crucial in monitoring populations, formulating protective regulations, making management decisions and maximizing reproduction for recovery.
South Carolina’s sea turtle hatchling numbers were lower for the second year in a row, but that’s no reason to panic, turtle experts say.
Preliminary numbers, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources’ sea turtle nest monitoring system, show:
• 173,839 hatched eggs were reported in 2018.
• 324,595 hatched eggs were reported in 2017.
• 418,564 hatched eggs were reported in 2016.
• 2,763 nests were reported in 2018.
• 5,250 nests were reported in 2017.
• 6,446 nests were reported in 2016.
Both 2016 and 2018 saw predatory animals as the main reason for significant nest losses.
Sea turtles begin making their way to the islands in May to start nesting. Photo credit: Jason Houser.
In 2016, raccoons were listed as the main cause. Then, in 2018, coyote depredation was listed as the main cause, although South Carolina wildlife officials said coyotes aren’t considered a major problem at this time.
As Jim explained things, I quickly realized that trapping on the barrier islands is crucial for many sea turtles to make it to the sea. Raccoons dig up a sea turtle nest to get to the eggs, even if the nest is 2 feet below the surface of the sand. As hatchlings start to emerge, the scent of the eggs still clings to their bodies, plus the smell of wet sand. These scents can be detected by raccoons from a long distance away.
Coyotes are another concern. It is not uncommon for coyotes to swim from the mainland and establish themselves on the islands. Once established they make an easy meal of the sea turtle eggs.
Mackenzie poses with a nice South Carolina coyote. Photo credit: Jason Houser.
As Jim pointed out, trapping on the islands is no easy task. It is necessary to take a small boat loaded with all of the trapping gear needed out to the islands every day. Not only is the boat ride several miles from the mainland, but tides are also a concern. If Jim does not time everything right, he could be stuck out there waiting for the tide to come back in.
Another obstacle to overcome on the islands is the terrain. Much of the islands are comprised of sand dunes. People can also cause problems for the trappers. The beaches are always busy with tourists and locals alike, so it’s necessary for Jim to adjust his techniques to not interfere with anyone. More accustomed to trapping coyotes in rural settings with little disturbance from humans, it is challenging for him to not only find locations to trap, but also to hide the sets and eventual catches from those who are against trapping — and even thieves who might steal the traps and animals.
The Harts’ tactics are no different than what many of us also use on a regular basis. Dogproof traps baited with dry cat food and marshmallows for raccoons, and flat sets lured and baited with High Country Control’s products are fairly standard. The only difference is that they have to be a little bit more inconspicuous, as far as set locations and caught animals go. The last thing they want to do is upset anyone and have the complaints start rolling in. That could quickly put an end to the much-needed trapping that is saving the sea turtles.
Wild hogs that consumed the turtle eggs were once a big problem on the islands, but they were handled by hunters. Hunters were allowed to run dogs to hunt for hogs. When the hogs were cornered, a hunter could move in with a handgun or knife to dispatch the hogs. That’s not really an option with coyotes or ‘coons. So, that led the local governments to find other alternatives to reducing the predator impact on the sea turtles.
In 2018, coyotes were the leading predators of sea turtle eggs in South Carolina. Photo credit: Jason Houser.
It was concluded that the best and only good alternative was to hire trappers. Not just any trapper, though. There is a process to go through to be approved for the job, and the trappers must have the right equipment, and above all else have the expertise to get the job done.
As many damage control trappers know, just because you have success over the course of one season, doesn’t mean the problem is over. The predators will find their way back and the work will start all over again to protect the turtles. Jim and Mackenzie are not waving flags to get noticed. They are happy to work behind the scenes and go unnoticed as they protect the majestic sea turtles that have navigated the vast oceans for millions of years.
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