Loggerhead Sea Turtles

On summer nights, an amazing ritual takes place on many South Carolina beaches, where huge loggerhead sea turtles lumber out of the sea to bury their eggs in the low dunes. Unfortunately, many of the baby sea turtles never make their way to the breaking surf after they hatch. One of the main reasons is that baby loggerheads, which instinctively follow the light of the moon and stars to lead them to the sea, become disoriented and misdirected by artificial light. To address the issue, SCE&G has installed special shields on beachfront streetlights to redirect the light downward and away from the beach. The company has also worked with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to increase public awareness and encourage people to turn off their beachfront lights at night. In addition, SCE&G is working closely with the Department of Natural Resources and some 700 "sea turtle" volunteers to help ensure the survival of our state's official reptile for generations to come.

• Turn off lights along the beach especially during nesting season (April - September.)
• Do Not harass baby turtles making thier way to the surf.
• Leave nest sites (and markers) undisturbed.