Why Does Turning Off Extra Lights Help Hatchling Turtles?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hello, ocean explorers! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why does turning off extra lights help hatchling turtles?

The Big Idea

Baby sea turtles hatch at night and crawl toward the brightest, lowest horizon, which is usually the sea. But street lights and porch lights can confuse them and pull them inland instead. A wrong light is a wrong map.

Step 1

Step one: the nest opens at night. Tiny hatchlings dig out of the sand after dark.

Step 2

Step two: hatchlings seek the bright horizon. Normally the open sea and sky are the brightest direction, so hatchlings head for the surf.

Step 3

Step three: a porch glow can win. Bright lamps on land can pull them toward roads and parking lots. With lights off, dark skies send them to the surf.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look at a beach at night! The nest is where the hatchlings start. The sea glow is the bright horizon they should follow. A porch light is the bright light that can fool them. And the correct path leads straight down to the water.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! A dark beach can save a whole nest of hatchlings. During nesting season, close the curtains and turn off extra lamps. Dim, shielded lamps point light down and help a lot. Watch from a distance with a grown-up, and never pick up hatchlings unless a ranger says so.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Why is the sea usually the bright side? What two light habits on land help? With a grown-up, check which lights in your home shine outdoors at night.

Outro

Hatchlings read the night sky, and extra lamps rewrite the map. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!