Be a wildlife-friendly pet owner
Dogs are wonderful and lovable companions. However, their natural instincts to hunt, chase, and dig can endanger shorebirds, sea turtles, and their nests. This can result in decreased survival of wildlife on the beach.
When dogs chase shorebirds, this causes nests and youn to be unprotected and vulnerable to the heat and other predators. As a result, birds may abandon nests or whole colonies due to disturbance from dogs. When these birds ares distrubed, they are using vital energy needed for migration and nesting. Shorebirds are federally and state protected species.
Endangered sea turtles can also be distrubed by dogs on the beach at night. Female sea turtles my abandon their nesting attempt, returning to the water without laying their eggs.
The endangered Alabama Beach Mouse is also vulnerable to disturbances at night by dogs.
Beach habitat is important for wildlife
Many different species of wildlife are dependent on Alabama's beaches for their survival, including several endangered and threatened species.
Over 30 species of shorebirds and seabirds use beach habitats for nesting, resting and finding food. Some birds also use the beach during winter or for rest during long migrations.
Sea turtles use Alabama's beach as nesting site from March to October. They dig nests in the sand and lay their egges, which incubate and then produce hatchlings.
Beach mice live in and use beach habitats, specifically coastal dunes, for their entire life cycle.
Dog-Friendly Spots Accessible by Boat
- Pirate's Cove - Josephine
- Avenue Pub-Orange Beach
- Tiki Bar-Orange Beach
(For any businesses, be sure to call and verify that dogs are allowed.)
Dog-Friendly Spots Accessible by Foot
- Orange Beach Waterfront Park
- Pirate's Cove-Josephine
- Avenue Pub-Orange Beach
- Veteran's Beach-Fort Morgan
- Shelby Lake Dog Park-Gulf Shores
- Orange Beach Canoe Sites
- Tiki Bar-Orange Beach
- Dauphin Island Beaches
- Fairhope Public Beach
- Daphne Bayfront Park and May Day Park
(For any businesses, be sure to call and verify that dogs are allowed.)