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.
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