Sea Turtle Nesting season is from May through October 31st. During this time, there are many precautions beachgoers can take to have a positive impact:
- Refrain from using fireworks and open fires
- Remove sandcastles & fill any dug out holes
- Don't enter dunes and conservation zones
- Refrain from releasing balloons or sky lanterns, as they can fall into the ocean and harm marine life
- Never approach sea turtles emerging from or returning to the sea
- Never push an injured animal back into the ocean - you may think you're helping, but you're not
- Don't use a flashlight
It's a common misconception to use your flashlight to guide sea turtles to the ocean, but the best thing you can do is stand back quietly and enjoy the beauty of nature!
And don't forget, touching a sea turtle in Florida is illegal! It is considered a third-degree felony thanks to the Marine Turtle Protection Act.
If you do find an injured animal on the beach, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC): Report incidents online or call 888-404-FWCC (3922). Cellular phone users can also call *FWC or #FWC, or send a text to Tip@MyFWC.com.