Contact: Carli Segelson
(727) 896-8626
Photos available at: http://research.myfwc.com/gallery/view_category.asp?catid=1289&subcatid=2309
Video available at: http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=17014
FWC: "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.
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/.
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- julesrs007
- added this
- added September 06, 2008
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People trying to save the turtles are doing a little more harm than they thought. Their hearts are in a good spot, though.
Awwww...that's a cute turtle.
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What a paradox, helping by not helping. Nature is a good mother.
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- fiat_lux088
- 4 months ago
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No matter how tough you are, how many people you've fought in the street, how good big your biceps are, or how many eggs you eat for breakfast, if on some level, that picture doesn't make you go "awwww", you're probably not human.
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- phillyharper
- 4 months ago
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Wook at his widdle sandy face...
I apologize.
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I would help them, now I won't but I still want too.
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- ace_ofgabriel
- 4 months ago
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Pretty and precious sea turtles.... i have a baby land turtle before and go out in his habitat with a back span of one inch and stay with me for many months...
Precious and lovely turtles, they know how to swim and go underneath the sands and stay there longer...
We thought that they are vulnerable and weak... would you want to try to look at them in the sea bed? They are just hiding and swim fast!!! They are small and we thought that they are weak!!! They ate alone and have friends!!!
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Speaking of... If you guys haven't signed this, please do and pass it on! : )
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TURTLE!!
