Living in a waterfront community like Gulf Shores means being in close proximity to a rich and diverse ecosystem. The waters of the Intracoastal Waterway are home to a variety of wildlife, and turtles are one of the most fascinating and beloved creatures that inhabit these waters. While most people associate turtles with the sea, Gulf Shores is home to both marine and freshwater species, each playing a unique role in the local environment.
As a resident or visitor of Waterways in Gulf Shores, you may have encountered turtles basking on the banks, swimming along the shoreline, or even nesting on the beaches. But many people are often surprised to discover that not all the turtles they see in the Intracoastal Waterway are sea turtles. In fact, both freshwater and marine species can be found in the area, each with its own distinctive characteristics and habitat preferences.
In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of turtles found in Gulf Shores’ waterways, focusing on the freshwater turtles that you may spot in the Intracoastal, as well as the marine species that are more commonly associated with the region’s coastal waters.
Marine Turtles: The Iconic Sea Turtles of Gulf Shores
While Gulf Shores is known for its inland waterways and estuaries, it’s also part of the Gulf of Mexico coastline, which is a vital habitat for several species of marine turtles. These ocean-dwelling creatures are often seen in the open waters near the beaches, and occasionally in the Intracoastal Waterway, especially near its mouth where saltwater and freshwater mix. The most common marine turtles in the Gulf Shores area include the loggerhead, green sea turtle, and hawksbill turtle.
Loggerhead Sea Turtles
Loggerhead turtles are one of the most commonly spotted sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico and along the Alabama coast. Known for their large heads and powerful jaws, loggerheads primarily feed on hard-shelled organisms such as crabs, conchs, and mollusks. They are frequently found along the Gulf Shores beaches during nesting season, typically from May to October, when females come ashore to lay their eggs. Loggerheads are also often found in the Intracoastal Waterway, especially in the areas where the saltwater mixes with freshwater, such as near the mouths of bays or tidal creeks.
Loggerheads are protected under the Endangered Species Act, and Gulf Shores plays an important role in their conservation efforts. The area has active conservation programs to monitor nests and protect the eggs from predators. If you’re lucky enough to spot a loggerhead while walking the beach or boating on the Intracoastal, it’s important to give them space and avoid disturbing them.
Green Sea Turtles
Green sea turtles are another species found in Gulf Shores’ waters, particularly in the deeper waters of the Gulf of Mexico. These turtles are primarily herbivores, feeding on seagrasses and algae. Though green sea turtles are less commonly seen in the Intracoastal Waterway compared to loggerheads, they occasionally venture into these brackish waters, especially when they’re foraging for food. Green sea turtles are also listed as endangered, with efforts being made to protect their nesting sites and migratory paths.
If you’re fortunate enough to observe a green sea turtle, you may notice their smooth, olive-colored shells, which distinguish them from other species. These turtles are known for their long migrations, often traveling hundreds or even thousands of miles between their feeding and nesting grounds.
Hawksbill Turtles
Hawksbill turtles are less commonly spotted along Gulf Shores’ shores but can occasionally be found in the waters near the barrier islands and coral reefs of the Gulf. These turtles are known for their distinctive, sharp beaks, which they use to feed on sponges and other marine organisms found on the ocean floor. Hawksbills prefer shallow coastal areas and coral reefs, but they are known to venture into the Intracoastal Waterway, particularly in areas with suitable feeding habitats.
Though hawksbill turtles are critically endangered, efforts to protect them are underway along the Gulf Coast. These turtles, with their beautiful, patterned shells, play an important role in maintaining the health of coral reefs by controlling sponge populations.
Freshwater Turtles: The Hidden Inhabitants of the Intracoastal
While marine turtles tend to get more attention in coastal communities, freshwater turtles are just as abundant in the inland waterways of Gulf Shores. These turtles prefer the brackish waters of the Intracoastal Waterway, as well as ponds, streams, and wetlands, where they can bask in the sun and forage for food. If you’ve seen turtles sunning themselves on logs or swimming in the shallows, they are most likely freshwater species, such as the yellow-bellied slider, red-eared slider, or common snapping turtle.
Yellow-Bellied Sliders
The yellow-bellied slider is one of the most common freshwater turtles found in the Intracoastal Waterway and other bodies of water in Gulf Shores. Easily recognizable by the yellow markings on their necks and the bottom of their shells, these turtles are often seen basking on logs or rocks in the sun. Yellow-bellied sliders are omnivores, feeding on a variety of plant material, insects, and small fish. They are highly adaptable and can thrive in both freshwater and brackish environments.
In Gulf Shores, yellow-bellied sliders are often spotted in quiet, slow-moving sections of the Intracoastal Waterway, where they enjoy a peaceful environment to sunbathe and forage. They are commonly seen near the shorelines of lakes, ponds, and creeks as well.
Red-Eared Sliders
Another popular freshwater species in the Gulf Shores area is the red-eared slider, named for the red markings behind their eyes. These turtles are widespread across the Southeastern United States and are often found in ponds, lakes, and marshes, as well as in brackish waters like the Intracoastal. They are frequently seen basking on floating logs or along the banks of waterways, where they emerge from the water to soak up the sun.
Red-eared sliders are omnivores and will eat a variety of plant material, insects, and small fish. While they are native to the Southeastern U.S., they are also popular as pets, and some non-native populations have been introduced into local habitats. Red-eared sliders are hardy creatures and are well adapted to both freshwater and brackish environments.
Common Snapping Turtles
The common snapping turtle, known for its aggressive demeanor and powerful jaws, is another species that can be found in the brackish waters of the Intracoastal Waterway. These turtles are larger and more territorial than sliders, and they are often seen in deeper areas of ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers. Common snapping turtles feed primarily on aquatic vegetation, small fish, and invertebrates, and they are known for their scavenger behavior.
Despite their intimidating appearance, snapping turtles are an important part of the local ecosystem, helping to maintain the balance of the aquatic food chain by controlling populations of smaller creatures. While they can be shy and reclusive, it’s not uncommon to spot one resting at the bottom of the water or sunning themselves along the shoreline during warmer days.
Conservation and Protecting Gulf Shores’ Turtles
Whether marine or freshwater, turtles play an essential role in maintaining the health of their respective ecosystems. Marine turtles help to keep jellyfish populations in check, while freshwater turtles help regulate aquatic plant and animal populations. Unfortunately, both freshwater and marine turtle species face significant threats, from habitat loss and water pollution to illegal poaching and climate change. Many species, particularly sea turtles like the loggerhead, green sea turtle, and hawksbill, are listed as endangered or critically endangered, prompting active conservation efforts in the Gulf Shores area.
As a resident in a luxury waterfront neighborhood in Gulf Shores, you can play a part in preserving these incredible creatures by respecting their habitats. Avoid disturbing nesting sites, keep beaches clean, and follow local guidelines for boating and fishing. If you spot a turtle in distress or encounter a nesting turtle on the beach, be sure to contact local wildlife authorities or conservation groups who can provide assistance.
Education is Key
The Intracoastal Waterway in Gulf Shores is home to a diverse range of turtle species, both freshwater and marine. Whether you’re lucky enough to spot a majestic sea turtle swimming near the shoreline or a freshwater turtle basking on a log, these creatures are an integral part of the local ecosystem. By understanding the different types of turtles in the area and supporting conservation efforts, we can all help protect these fascinating animals and ensure that future generations can enjoy watching them in the waters of Gulf Shores.
If you’ve seen a turtle recently in your Gulf Shores neighborhood, consider sharing your experience and educating others on the importance of protecting these iconic creatures that make the Gulf Coast so special.
