The National Park Service is proposing the removal of raccoons from a portion of the Cape Lookout National Seashore to determine if it will help endangered bird and turtle species survive.

The proposed removal would be conducted once on South Core Banks to see if it increases the life span of bird and turtle hatchlings normally preyed on by raccoons.

The park service released a draft environmental assessment this week and is asking the public for comments until September 19. Officials said the removal was an option being considered to help endangered populations. Comments will be accepted on the Internet or by regular mail.