Why are temporary closures implemented?
Temporary closures occur to protect a variety of nesting sea and shore birds as well as sea turtle nests. These closures allow the beaches of Cape Lookout National Seashore to be shared by park visitors and wildlife protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act and the Federal Migratory Bird Act.

Why are the closures necessary?
Human activity can cause adult birds to abandon their nests. In addition, the nests of sea and shore birds are very difficult to see and avoid. Young chicks hide by remaining perfectly still and blending in with the sand. Closing an area to humans and vehicles prevents nest abandonment, the eggs from being crushed in the nest or young chicks from being run over.

When do temporary closures generally occur?
Closures for bird nesting occur from April to August.
Closures for sea turtle nesting occur from July to October.

How is it decided what areas to close?
The area that is closed depends on where the birds are nesting and how many nesting pairs are in the area. Park staff work to restrict access to as small an area and for as short a period of time as is absolutely critical for the protection of the nests and young chicks.

How long are the closures in place?
From the time that nesting begins until the eggs hatch is about 25-35 days. Once the eggs hatch it will take around another 30 days until the chicks are able to fly.

Why don't all closures effect beach travel?
Nesting areas are often on the upper beach out of the way of vehicle traffic. Once the eggs have hatched, the young chicks wander away from the nesting area looking for food along the sound or ocean beach, or near tide pools. At this time closures may need to be expanded to allow them to safely feed until they are old enough to fly. Only those areas where the chicks are feeding along the ocean beach will effect vehicle traffic.

What species nest along the beaches of Cape Lookout National Seashore?

• Piping Plover
• Wilson's Plover
• American Oystercatcher
• Least Tern
• Common Tern
• Gull-billed Tern
• Black Skimmer
• Willet