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Turtle Nesting Season Calls For Citizen Awareness

State and federal wildlife officials say the population of endangered Florida Panthers is rising to between 120-230. The previous estimate was 100-180.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
State and federal wildlife officials say the population of endangered Florida Panthers is rising to between 120-230. The previous estimate was 100-180.
State and federal wildlife officials say the population of endangered Florida Panthers is rising to between 120-230. The previous estimate was 100-180.
Credit Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Florida is a large nesting site for endangered sea turtles, such as the leatherback. Dr. Robbin Trindell leads the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission sea turtle management program. She warns curious bystanders can inadvertently harm a nesting sea turtle.

"Floridians are so interested in sea turtles, and we’ve had a lot of times when people want to go out and see this," Trindell said. "It’s an amazing thing to see. But, they have to understand that any activity on the beach at night could actually be a disturbance to the nesting females."

Beach goers should clean up after themselves on the beach, removing trash and especially plastic bags which may look like food to turtles.

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Catherine Buckler
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