Winter Wildlife
Ocracoke certainly doesn't see the human visitors typical of July this time of year, but there are some other visitors to be on the lookout for.
I think it's safe to say we're all pretty used to seeing gulls and plovers and sandpipers and other piper-esque birds along the shore in the warmer months. Well, they're still here, stickin' it out for the winter. They can be seen showing off their darker winter plumage, fishing on the shoreline, and soaring in the sky. Great Egrets are also still hanging around here, especially in the salt marsh areas. If you see one crouched down, chances are it's waiting to catch a meal or trying not be noticed by passersby. Egrets are patient hunters who will wait until something tasty approaches before stretching out their long S-shaped neck and essentially knocking out their prey with their blade-like bill. They will swallow fish, amphibians, reptiles, mice, and other small animals whole. When standing, these long-legged waders are about three feet tall and can have a wingspan of close to five feet. If startled they'll usually retreat to trees or thick bushes for cover.
Sea turtles love the beaches of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, and between May and September you may even get to spot some laying eggs. Some of you lucky folks out there may have even gotten to see a public hatchlings release! If you see a turtle on the beach this time of year, however, the cold-blooded reptile may be in a life-threatening situation. Sea turtles, traveling at about one mile per hour, usually hit up the warmer waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Central and South America starting around October, but some get disoriented and stranded up here. Sea turtles are also frequently spotted as far north as Massachusetts during the winter, which is definitely not good. Since sea turtles are cold-blooded reptiles, they depend on external heat sources. When air and water temperatures plummet suddenly, it can cause the health of turtles to rapidly deteriorate and lead to them becoming cold stunned. Symptoms of cold stunning include decreased heart rate, decreased circulation, and lethargy. These can be followed by shock, pneumonia, and possibly death. If you see a turtle that may be injured or dead, call the Lead Sea Turtle Bio-Tech at 252-216-6892. Beach go-ers are also asked to report turtle sightings year round by calling the number listed above.
Seals have been making appearances along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, taking breaks on the beach while they travel through the chilly winter waters. Ocracoke local Miggy O'Neal snapped some great photos of a seal who stopped on Ocracoke for a rest. The seal was seen by several residents near ORV Ramp 70 (the airstrip) on Thursday, but as far as I know, he or she had left by Friday.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore published some guidelines about what to do if you spot a seal. Just like when viewing other wildlife, the NPS recommends you stay at least 50 feet away from a seal, and do not feed or come in direct contact with the animal (this includes swimming with one, too). For one, you could get hurt, not to mention it's illegal to feed the wildlife. Plus, seals may get used to being fed by humans, and could become injured by propellers if they smell caught fish and approach a boat. Giving a seal food that's not a part of their diet could be harmful to them too, so do not attempt to feed them.
If you spot a seal and witness any of the following indicators, you may be causing a seal stress: increased vocalization, movement toward or back into the water, and frequent movement from its resting position (looking around at you and its surroundings). You're also asked to keep your pets leashed; any unnecessary actions or unfamiliar animals could harm or upset the seal. It is normal to see seals on the beach, but if the animal shows signs of injury or sickness, such as lying with its tail and head flat on the shore, definitely report it. You're also asked to report if a seal is entangled in any netting or any other object. Entanglement will prevent the animal from being able to hunt and defend itself, therefore will more than likely die if no help is given. You can call 252-455-9654 to report any seal activity!
Katharine, the Great White Shark (cue "Jaws" theme) being tracked by Ocearch, was another visitor we had recently. She travels from the Gulf of Mexico to as far north as Cape Cod and back down, stopping in this area along the way. Her most recent visit to the Outer Banks was recorded on January 10, 2015, where she was swimming around in the Pamlico Sound. You can track Katharine and other sharks by going to Ocearch's website. The non-profit organization has an interactive online map of the world that allows you to zoom in and out, and tap "pings" that record the movements of sharks and other apex predators.
The idea of sharks swimming around us can be unnerving (I mean, come on...we've all seen "Jaws"), however National Geographic states, "The legendary great white shark is far more fearsome in our imaginations than in reality." Great white sharks are known for being curious and do "sample bite" humans in about half of the 100-plus shark attacks reported each year. "It's not a terribly comforting distinction," says National Geographic about sample biting, "but it does indicate that humans are not actually on the great white's menu."
Happy Wildlife Watching!
