BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. — Deputies in Lee County saved a group of baby sea turtles who were in distress on Bonita Beach.
They were contacted by Turtle Time, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to the conservation of sea turtles, about the sea turtles who lost their way trying to head into the ocean. The turtles were disoriented when lights in the area were left on, which caused them to walk away from the water and fall into a nearby sewage drain.
The two deputies jumped into action, opened the drain and pulled each of the fifteen turtles out, according to a Facebook post by the agency.
The turtles were cleaned and monitored by members of Turtle Time before being released at sunset. The deputies joined in the sendoff to help with the release.
Turtle nesting season takes place between April and September. Artificial lights during night hours can deter the turtles from making it to the beach as dark skies provide a safe and inviting beach for them.
Here's what you can do to make sure the sea turtles make their way into the ocean safely:
- Make sure to take everything with you when you leave the beach
- Fill in holes, knock down sandcastles and take furniture off the beach
- Don’t abandon fishing gear
- Don’t disturb nesting turtles or emerging hatchlings
- Do contact Florida Fish and Wildlife Rescue to report any dead or injured marine life
- Don’t use artificial light (cell phones, flash photography, fishing lamps) on the beach at night
- If you find a turtle (adult or hatchling) in distress, call FWC at 888-404-3922
