ANNA MARIA, Fla. — A tragic accident in the throes of sea turtle nesting season is reminding residents just how important it is to be mindful of our wildlife.
A female loggerhead sea turtle was hit and killed by a car early Wednesday morning on Gulf Drive in Anna Maria Island.
After laying eggs in the dunes of Bradenton Beach, the turtle went to make her way back to the water but became disoriented by streetlights, according to Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch, a local non-profit.
"Sea turtles use light to find their way back to the water after nesting – heading away from dark shadows and towards the brightest horizon, which is usually the light of the night sky over the water," the non-profit explained.
Sea turtles become disoriented when they travel toward artificial light instead of the moon.
“The good news is that she laid eggs before heading towards the road, so her legacy will continue,” Kristen Mazzarella, the non-profit's executive director, said.
While wildlife advocates are thankful the eggs were laid safely, they know the baby sea turtles will also be in danger if the lights aren't modified before they hatch.
Last year, the non-profit says 105 of 404 nests on Anna Maria Island became disoriented while trying to make it back to the water.
Here's how the public can help these sea turtles survive:
- Turn off lights that can be seen from the beach
- Close blinds in beachside houses or hotel rooms
- Use red or amber LED bulbs in lights as they are turtle-friendly
- Flatten sand castles and fill in holes dug in the sand
- Pick up litter
- Report lightning violations to local code enforcement
Sea turtles are protected by both state and federal laws by the Endangered Species Act, which makes it illegal to touch them. Several local ordinances also protect sea turtles by including certain lighting rules.
If you see a sea turtle in distress on Anna Maria Island, you are urged to call Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch at (941) 301-8434 or FWC's Wildlife Alert Hotline at (888) 404-3922.