Seabrook Island Wildlife

The Seabrook Island community is dedicated to protecting and preserving the island’s natural resources for generations to come. An Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary, Seabrook is home to a diverse variety of wildlife including many mammals such as bobcats, red and gray foxes, and white-tailed deer. Bottlenose dolphins can often be seen strand-feeding in and near Cap’n Sams Inlet during low tide. More than 30 species of reptiles can also be found on the island such as alligators, tree frogs and chameleons. The reptile that gets the most attention, however, is the Caretta caretta—better known as the loggerhead sea turtle. The island is also a haven for over 80 amazing bird species including bald eagles, roseate spoonbills, pelicans, egrets, osprey and more.

Dolphins

Often on Seabrook Island, the bottlenose dolphins have been observed using a technique called strand feeding, something seen only in a few other places in the world.

These are the most common dolphins in this area. Adults are 6 to 9 feet long, weighing between 300 and 600 pounds. Males live about 45 years and females up to 60.

Your best chance for seeing this amazing sight is at low tide at the northernmost tip of North Beach.

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Turtles

The Seabrook Island Turtle Patrol is a volunteer organization supported by the Seabrook Island Property Owners Association and member donations. The patrol operates under a permit issued by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and follows the department’s guidelines for best practices in identifying, protecting and taking inventory of nests.

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Birds

More than 80 species, including federally threatened and endangered birds such as the bald eagle and piping plover, are routinely spotted on the island. Turkey sightings have also been reported. The sheer number and variety of birds prompted residents to form the Seabrook Island Birders Group. The Seabrook Island Club has participated in the Audubon International’s North American Bird Watching Open since 1998, taking top honors each year.