Sanibel and Captiva expand turtle nest protections to deter coyotes

SANIBEL, Fla. —

Conservationists on Sanibel and Captiva are implementing larger protective grids to protect sea turtles after dig-ins from coyotes, which are known to eat turtle eggs and have disturbed a nest on the islands.

Turtle nesting season is a special time for Sanibel residents Carolyn and Tom Craig.

"It's great to see that they're nesting here again," Carolyn Craig said.

"We always like to see gifts of nature," Tom Craig added.

For coyotes, it can be snack time.

"We've tried caging. They learned how to get around really strong cages," said Kelly Sloan, coastal wildlife director for the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF).

There are eight turtle nests on the islands so far this season, but coyotes have already disturbed the only nest on Captiva, according to SCCF.

Conservation specialists are using larger protective grids around nesting sites to safeguard the eggs and young turtles.

"We've tried a whole bunch of things. This is just the next step, and we're hoping that it'll be effective for us," Sloan said.

Experts say this year’s protective grids are nearly twice as large as previous ones.

"We've been exploring different options and submitting those to the state for potential consideration, but aside from that, the novel approach of expanding the size of cages seems to be the next logical step before pursuing any other options," said Rachel Rainbolt, a Sanibel conservation officer.

The city noted that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) declined the use of turtle nest guards, but residents have offered alternative ideas.

"Maybe asking for volunteers to watch the night shift, I would even volunteer for that," Carolyn said.

Conservation efforts continue on Sanibel and Captiva to protect these vulnerable nests from predators.

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