Wildlife vs. tourists at Cape Hatteras National Seashore

National Parks Traveler updates the story of man vs. wildlife in Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

Ecotravel News reported in June on the deliberate disturbance of certain protected areas of the Seashore.

Now NPT goes back to explore how the nesting plovers and sea turtles - as well as the tourists - are faring under the enforced beach closures.

North Carolina Senator Elizabeth Dole says the closures are causing an economic decline in tourists and wants to overturn park guidelines to bring back tourist dollars.

County tourist bureaus say tourism is still good despite other factors such as high gas prices, wildfire smoke, and the general downturn in the economy.

Park Service figures show only eight miles of beach closed to tourists.

Read the full story: How is Cape Hatteras National Seashore faring under travel restrictions?