Beach Driving on Cape Hatteras National Seashore (NC)
A least tern killed by a beach vehicle. The least tern population has declined 40% since 1999.
A piping plover nest. Piping plover populations have declined 57% as beach driving has intensified.
Black skimmers in sight of car on beach. Only 2 black skimmers remain
on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, from over 300 eight years ago.
Sanderling run over by vehicle on the Seashore.
A black skimmer chick walks in the tire rut left behind by a car on the beach. Tire ruts trap young birds that are nesting or attempting to nest.
Approximately 20 breeding pairs of American Oystercatchers remain on the Seashore, a decline of nearly 50%.
