The current decline of Piping Plovers is due to several factors. Human activity decreases the size of their coastal habitat where they nest and feed, and foot or vehicular traffic disrupts nesting sites. Predators, including raccoons and skunks, are attracted to food provided by developments near beaches.

Piping Plover nests are vulnerable to storm tides that inundate them. Along the Atlantic Coast this bird is designated as threatened and became a protected species in 1986.

Form more detailed information visit www.fws.gov