News

Actions

Wildlife officials: 'Hands off!' on sea turtle hatchlings

Posted

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) - "Hands off!"  That's what state wildlife officials want you to think if you see a sea turtle hatchling this fall.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission last week said it's a bad idea to help a hatchling as it makes it way from its nest to the ocean, not matter how well-meaning your intention.

FWC officials say the hatchlings should be watched from a distance and left undisturbed.

It can take a hatchling several days to dig out of its nest and they are vulnerable to predators while they do it.

FWC officials say distractions - say, from humans - can make matters worse for them.

The sea turtle hatchlings start digging out of their nests in September and October.

(Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)