A Florida Keys family woke up to find dozens of unexpected guests taking a dip in their backyard pool in late August. Upon inspection, they discovered that it was a flotilla of sea turtle hatchlings.
During turtle nesting season, which takes place between March and October every year, hatchlings typically emerge from their eggs and make their way to the surf using an instinctive “sea finding” behavior.
This internal compass helps them crawl toward the lowest and brightest horizon, which, in successful cases, is the ocean reflecting moon and starlight.
But artificial light sources from development on the beach or flashlights can interrupt this process and lead the turtles hatchlings astray.
Screenshot via @marathonturtlehospital/Instagram
This is what experts at the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida believed happened here. The homeowners called in the experts at The Turtle Hospital to help get the babies out of chlorinated water.
A total of 64 hatchlings were counted after being led astray by the home’s bright lights. Once they were all accounted for, the babies were taken to the hospital’s headquarters, where they were cleaned up and given nourishment.
Fortunately, they were all in pretty good shape, and after spending a handful of days recovering at The Turtle Hospital, they were released into the Gulf Stream.
“As hatchling season is still in full effect, this is a good reminder to keep an eye out for these tiny travelers,” The Turtle Hospital emphasized in a social media post.
“Artificial light can disorient hatchlings and lead them away from the ocean, sometimes ending up in some very unexpected places. If you find a disoriented or stranded hatchling, please don’t release it yourself.”
The Turtle Hospital then shared its “stranding hotline,” 305-481-7669. Florida locals can also call the state’s Fish and Wildlife Commission at 888-404-FWCC.
“And remember,” the hospital concluded, “turning off unnecessary lights or switching to red lights near the beach can make a BIG difference for hatchlings making their first journey to the sea.”
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Featured Images: The Turtle Hospital/Facebook
