People in Florida have to turn off the lights by 9 p.m., and here's why?

People in Florida have to turn off the lights and close the blinds by 9 p.m., and here's why

It's sea turtle season, so Florida townspeople have to turn off the lights and close the blinds.

From May 1 to October 31, 40,000 to 84,000 sea turtles nest on Florida beaches. Turtles dig holes in the dry sand at night, lay eggs, cover the holes, and return to the water.

The incubation period is two months, and artificial lighting is a significant threat to the process. Thousands of youngsters die annually from artificial lights, so residents and visitors to the Sunshine State are urging them to turn off their lights.

Florida has five sea turtle species, all of which are either threatened or endangered. According to the federal Endangered Species Act, greenback, leatherback, hawksbill, and Kemp's turtles are endangered, while loggerhead turtles are classified as threatened.

How artificial lights can harm sea turtles?

Baby turtles use natural light from the sky to navigate their way to the water. When artificial lights from homes are lit, this can cause turtles to crawl toward artificial light instead of water.

The hatchlings' walking toward artificial light can cause them to be attacked by predators, hit by a car, or die from the effects of outside elements.

Adult sea turtles are exhausted and dehydrated on the beach after being confused with artificial light. This can cause the mature female tortoise to return to the water instead of laying eggs.

Instructions for lighting a sea turtle

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, property owners who live along nesting beaches should follow these guidelines:

Keep it low - fixtures should be installed as little as possible, and bulbs should produce the lowest wattage.

keep it long - the bulbs/bulbs should only produce long-wavelength light - 560 nm or more - and it is amber, orange or red

KEEP IT PROTECTED - Fittings must face completely downward and must be able to protect the incandescent bulb, lamp, or lens from the beach

Cities are asking residents to turn off their lights after 9 p.m. So the beaches can remain dark. If residents can see their shadows while standing on the beach on a moonless night, there is plenty of light behind them, and they should get compatible new lighting fixtures.

Those who visit the beach should stay away from the turtles to avoid being disturbed.

Travelers can book walking tours for sea turtles, where you will have the opportunity to see the nesting place, but this is not guaranteed.