FWC Investigates Sea Turtle Nest Tampering on Bradenton Beach

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has launched an investigation following reports of a group of beachgoers tampering with a sea turtle nest on Bradenton Beach near sunset on July 9.

According to eyewitnesses vacationing in the area, several adults and children were seen digging into a marked nest using plastic shovels. Photos provided to authorities show the group using cell phone flashlights to illuminate the nest and later to guide hatchlings toward the Gulf of Mexico. Witnesses say some of the individuals were seen handling the turtles and carrying them into the water.

Concerned observers contacted the FWC but were advised not to intervene directly. The incident was also reported to the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch, whose volunteers responded shortly after. By the time volunteers arrived, the group had already left the area.

Kristen Mazzarella, Executive Director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch, confirmed that there had been clear signs of interference. Volunteers assessed the scene and found that although most hatchlings made it to the water, some had become disoriented by artificial lights and were tragically killed after moving toward the nearby street.

The tampered nest is one of more than 450 currently being monitored this season on Anna Maria Island. The local hatching period has just begun, making it especially important for residents and visitors to respect marked nesting areas.

Sea turtles and their nests are protected under both state and federal law. Tampering with them — whether intentional or not — is illegal and can result in criminal charges.

FWC and local conservationists are reminding the public to give nesting turtles and hatchlings at least 50 feet of space, keep all lights off on the beach at night, and never touch or disturb the animals. Even actions believed to be helpful, such as guiding hatchlings to the water with lights or physically moving them, can disorient and endanger these protected species.

Beachgoers are also urged to remove any beach furniture, fill in holes dug in the sand, and properly dispose of trash and fishing line before leaving the shore to prevent accidental harm to wildlife.

To report suspected sea turtle harassment or tampering, contact FWC’s 24-hour Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922), or notify local law enforcement or turtle watch volunteers.

For more information on how to protect sea turtles during nesting season, visit MyFWC.com/SeaTurtle.