Wildlife Protection Zones

Drivers should keep watch for chicks, like this plover, hiding in the sand and grasses.

 

Protection zones for nesting birds and sea turtles are seasonal or temporary area closures to motor vehicles with the exception of the following permanent closure areas:

• Shackleford Banks
• Ramp 41a to Ramp 41b (ocean side lighthouse beach)
• Power Squadron Spit west of the Jetty
• Portsmouth Village

 

 

A Cape Lookout Beach Access Status Map is available for seeing which ramps and beach areas are open for vehicle usage. Please note: Signage in the field has the "final say". The closures on the beach represent the most current beach access status, and should be considered more accurate than this map.

 

When driving on Cape Lookout National Seashore, familiarize yourself with signs that may be posted on your visit.

NPS Photo/S.Godin

Know Before You Go

Before heading to Cape Lookout National Seashore, familiarize yourself with our wildlife protection signs. Wildlife signs are seasonal or temporary depending on the wildlife activity. If you are unsure of what a sign means, stop and read it before you proceed. Below is a gallery of signs you may see posted while visiting Cape Lookout National Seashore.

Bird nesting season extends from April 1st to August 31st. Public entry into these areas is strictly prohibited. Protective boundaries are removed as soon as chicks have fledged. In addition, some bird nests on the open beach have large 18”x18” yellow signs establishing a 600-foot buffer around the nest. Vehicles and pedestrians are permitted to pass through the area at the tideline only. Vehicles and pedestrians are prohibited from stopping, parking, camping, or loitering between the posted signs.

Sea turtle nesting season extends from May 1^st through November. Pedestrians are permitted within these closed areas. Vehicles are prohibited. Protective boundaries are removed once a nest has completely hatched.