Thank you all for the outpouring of support for our newest patient, Boba Tea! So many of you wanted to know how you could help the sea turtles, too. While you're enjoying our beaches and waterways, it's always a good idea for keep an eye out for injured wildlife.
Our Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility relies on our visitors to help us locate and respond to injured sea turtles. An injured sea turtle will likely have washed up on shore with visible injuries or entanglements, or it may be found floating in the water having difficulty swimming. During nesting season, females may be seen laying eggs near the dunes at night, mating adults may be spotted nearshore, or hatchlings may be seen making their way to the water, but they should all be left alone if uninjured.
If you happen upon a sick or injured sea turtle, here are a few important things to know for how you can help:
- First, give them space! While your initial instinct may be to get close and assist them yourself, do your best to stay back and do not touch the sea turtle. Advise others to do the same and keep beachgoers away for both the turtle's and the person's safety.
- Call for help! Stay within eyesight of the sea turtle, call our Sea Turtle Emergency Hotline at 561-212-8691 or FWC's Wildlife Hotline at 888-404-FWCC, and follow the instructions provided. Be prepared to answer questions about the turtle and your location in order to provide rescuers with the information they'll need. You may be asked to assist if it is safe for you and the turtle until rescuers arrive.
- Take your time! Whether you are boating out in the ocean or in our waterways, keep your attention on the water, drive slowly in areas where sea turtles frequent, and follow all posted no wake zones. Wildlife like sea turtles and manatees live in shallow nearshore and intracoastal waters. These animals breathe air and can surface unexpectedly. Following the speed limits helps protect these endangered species.
If you are ever unsure if a sea turtle needs assistance, call our emergency hotline, which is operated 24/7 including holidays.
We thank you so much for doing your part and helping us protect sea turtles!