FWC Urges Public to Let Sea Turtles Ride Out Ike

People attempting to save sea turtles eggs and hatchlings may cause more harm than good, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) advises.  Although storms can have a negative effect on sea turtle nests and hatchlings, these animals have evolved to have nesting strategies that enable them to survive natural events such as hurricanes.  No storm season is a total loss to sea turtles, even in years when Florida has sustained direct hits.

{sidebar id=3}Digging into marked or unmarked turtle nests in an effort to help may cause severe damage to the eggs.  Sea turtle eggs are resilient, and if undisturbed, may still hatch despite waves washing over them.  Disturbing sea turtle nests is a violation of both state and federal laws.

The FWC urges beachgoers to contact the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) if they encounter a nest eroding into the ocean or a hatchling that is not actively crawling or appears sick or injured.  Sick or injured turtles may need rehabilitation before returning to the wild.

Hatchlings moving toward the surf should be allowed to continue their trek without interference.  These young turtles have the ability to swim through large waves.

Authorization from the FWC is required before transporting sea turtle eggs or hatchlings.

For more information about sea turtles, visit http://research.MyFWC.com .

Photo by Mary Katherine Westmark 

This information originally published on September 7, 2008.

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