Florida beachgoers who spot a sea turtle hatchling washed back onto shore should keep their distance and call wildlife officials rather than picking it up or carrying it into the water, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says.
Strong winds and rough surf can push hatchlings back onto Central Florida beaches after they enter the ocean. The FWC describes them as “washback” sea turtles and says they may need specialized care after waves and wind carry them ashore.
At places including Playalinda Beach in Brevard County, the small hatchlings can be especially hard to spot when they are caught in seaweed along the shoreline. The agency asks visitors to note the precise location, including the beach station when possible, and let trained responders handle the animals.
The same guidance applies to sea turtle nests that appear disturbed. Winds and waves can shift the sand covering eggs, and beachgoers should not handle the nests.
Anyone who finds a hatchling that appears to be in trouble or notices a damaged nest can contact the FWC’s 24-hour Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922). The reminder comes during a record nesting season in Volusia County, where the county had counted its 1,517th nest of the season by July, according to ClickOrlando.
