🐢 The Gist: The Tybee Island Police Department issued a statement reminding beachgoers to respect nesting sea turtles during the May to October nesting season.
🤔 Why It Matters: Interfering with the natural nesting process of sea turtles can have severe consequences for their population, and it is crucial for the public to understand how to coexist with these creatures responsibly.
❓ What’s Happening: The police department has received reports of people crowding, using flash photography, and shining flashlights directly at nesting turtles, which can disorient and startle them, causing them to return to the ocean without laying their eggs.
🔍 Between the Lines: The statement emphasizes the importance of using “turtle safe” flashlights with red lenses and observing nesting turtles from a respectful distance or simply continuing on your way to minimize disturbance.
🏃 Catch Up Quick: Female sea turtles have been making the long journey to lay their eggs on Tybee Island beaches for thousands of years. The police department is working with partner organizations to ensure the turtles receive help if they appear hurt or in distress.
🖼️ The Big Picture: By working together and respecting the nesting process of sea turtles, the community can ensure the survival and thriving of these beautiful animals for generations to come.
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