Sea turtle
Most of the sea turtles that visit the Smith Island Complex are loggerheads (Caretta caretta), but occasionally Atlantic green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) will visit. Sea turtle nesting on Bald Head Island has experienced a general downward trend over the past 25 years but through the protection efforts of the Bald Head Island Conservancy, the number of nesting females should begin increasing in the years to come.