What to do if you encounter baby turtles: Boca Grande Turtle Patrol
BY ARLENE HALL, BGSTA SECRETARY
Even though Debby disrupted most of the incubating nests on the island, many of those that survived her onslaught are going about their business as usual. As of Saturday, Aug. 17th, we have had nine of the remaining nests hatch since the storm, with 57 still incubating. There is still a turtle or two coming on shore to search for a good nesting spot, based on this past week’s crawl activity. With hatchings and a few crawls still occurring, we all must continue to be vigilant about keeping our beaches CLEAN, FLAT and DARK!
Thankfully, it does seem that people are doing better these days about filling in large holes, knocking down sand towers, and removing their beach equipment from the beach overnight, but we still see people using bright lights in or around homes that are causing some hatchlings to disorient away from the water. These creatures have survived some pretty challenging weather conditions over the past couple of weeks. So, as they are trying to make it to the gulf, let’s give them a break and keep those lights off!
We’ve also had a couple of recent phone calls where people have found hatchlings or eggs on the beach, and they didn’t know what to do to help. While we understand that people want to help save the hatchlings’ eggs, please remember that sea turtles are federally protected, and it is against the law to touch or handle them or their eggs. Here’s what you should do to help instead:
• If you see an energetic hatchling on the beach that is heading to the gulf water, just give it space and let it go. Enjoy the moment and take pictures (but don’t use a flash).
• If you find exposed eggs on the beach, whether they were dug up by a predator or washed out of the nest by the surf, do not touch them! Immediately contact the BGSTA or FWC (see below).
• If you see a hatchling or an adult sea turtle on the beach that seems to be struggling (e.g., is lethargic, keeps crawling in circles, has an injury, etc.) or a hatchling that is heading away from the water, make sure it is not in any immediate danger (like crawling across a busy street) and then immediately contact the BGSTA or FWC.
The contact information is as follows:
• BGSTA – (941) 999-7177
• FWC – (888) 404-FWCC or *FWC from your cell phone
Both the BGSTA and the FWC will ask you a few questions about the situation and the location, and you may be asked to send pictures from your phone. They will then instruct you what, if anything, you need to do. In most cases, however, a trained individual from the BGSTA or FWC will be sent to the scene to address the situation.
Please don’t hesitate to make a call if you see something involving a turtle, hatchling, or nest that doesn’t look right. These turtles can use all the help they can get!
All activity conducted by BGSTA turtle patrol volunteers is in strict accordance with FWC Marine Turtle Permit #24-123.
Questions? Call (941) 999-7177.
At Florida State Parks:
Gasparilla: 42 loggerhead
Cayo Costa: 556 loggerhead, 1 green turtles
Don Pedro: 199 loggerhead, 28 green turtles
Stump Pass: 273 loggerhead, 1 green
