June 24, 2025

What to Do if You Find a Sea Turtle Hatchling in Florida

Sea turtle nesting season is one of the most magical times of year on Florida’s beaches. Between March and October, thousands of sea turtles return to our shores to lay their eggs. While the sight of hatchlings making their way to the ocean is unforgettable, sometimes these tiny travelers lose their way.

If you find a sea turtle hatchling on the beach here’s how you can help while staying within the law and ensuring the best outcome for the hatchling.

Step 1: Call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

The most important first step: Call FWC’s 24/7 Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922). FWC will assess the situation and provide immediate instructions. They can help determine if the hatchling is healthy, injured, or deceased, and will offer guidance on the next steps - often without needing to involve other organizations.

Step 2: If You're on the beach in Martin County and you have called FWC and they do not answer

  • Bring the hatchling to a nearby lifeguard stand, if available.
    • Lifeguards can coordinate with Ecological Associates, Inc. (EAI), who will attempt to release healthy hatchlings the next morning.

What Not to Do:

  • Don’t take the hatchling home or attempt to care for it yourself.
  • Don’t release it into the ocean without expert approval. Improper releases can decrease the hatchling’s chance of survival.
  • Don’t assume it’s dead. Only a trained expert can determine that safely.

Why Hatchling Survival Is So Fragile

Hatchlings are extremely sensitive. If disoriented by artificial lights or if they fail to reach the ocean on their first night, their chances of survival drop drastically. This is why early intervention by trained experts, such as FWC or EAI, is essential.

Help Sea Turtle Hatchlings the Right Way

Sea turtles are protected by law and handling them without proper authorization can do more harm than good. If you find a sea turtle hatching, the best thing you can do is call the professionals and let them guide you through the next steps.

By following these simple guidelines, you’re playing a vital role in sea turtle conservation and helping protect Florida’s coastal ecosystems for generations to come.

Report a hatchling or sea turtle concern: FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline: 888-404-FWCC (3922)

Category
Education