Many wild and domestic animals visit New Hampshire's beaches each day. Birds frequent the coast, deer and beaver find their way to freshwater, and dogs and horses are brought by their owners to all types of beaches. They're all welcome to enjoy the state's beaches along with humans. However, animals can cause a variety of problems.
Birds
Native bird species (gulls, cormorants, plovers, geese, ducks, etc.) are often seen visiting New Hampshire beaches. Many frequent a specific beach repeatedly due to the presence of a food source. In some cases, their food source includes humans who feed them food scraps. Birds will defecate (some up to 28 times per day) within the area relative to where they eat. This excrement is loaded with bacteria and can wash into the swimming area. This can cause a health threat to swimmers.
Please do not feed birds or other wildlife. Not only is it bad for them, it is unsanitary for you and the people around you.
Dogs
Many people enjoy walking their dogs along the beach. Why do they take their dogs to the beach? There are many reasons. Some people enjoy the constant companionship. Others do it for exercise. Whatever the reason, it is inevitable that at some point a dog has to "do its business." This becomes a problem when a dog owner does not pick up the dog's feces. The fecal matter can become buried within the sand. Another person may later step in the feces or a child may dig it up while playing. Again, this can expose beach goers to pathogenic organisms.
Please pick up after your dog.
Also, before visiting a beach, make sure your dog is allowed there. Some towns prohibit dogs on their beaches during the swim season or within regular swimming hours.
Horses
Horses are sometimes seen on beaches, especially in more rural areas. People enjoy riding horses in a variety of settings, and beaches are equally attractive to them. As we all know, horses defecate at their own will, whether they are in a stable, on a road, or on a beach. To reiterate, bacteria in horse feces can cause a health threat to humans.