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A few days ago, Save-A-Turtle Key West volunteers, alongside the Key West Wildlife Center and Key West Police Department, responded to a report of disoriented hatchlings. A nest had recently hatched, but instead of heading toward the ocean, many of the tiny turtles were drawn inland—likely confused by nearby artificial lighting.
Tragically, eleven hatchlings were lost after reaching the roadway. Nineteen others were found in storm drains, but thanks to a fast response from our team and community partners, those were safely rescued and released into the ocean. A later nest excavation confirmed that a number of other hatchlings made it to their ocean home without any additional intervention.
Sea turtle hatchlings rely on natural light cues—typically the moon and stars reflecting off the water—to find their way to the ocean. Bright artificial lighting near nesting beaches can overwhelm or misdirect them, leading to fatal outcomes.
What You Can Do to Help:
🌒 Minimize nonessential lighting near the beach, especially during nesting and hatching season.
🔴 Use turtle-friendly lights (low, shielded, and amber or red in color) if lighting is necessary.
🚗 Drive carefully along beach roads—especially at night—during the peak summer months.
📞 Report disoriented or injured sea turtles to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
The City of Key West has already made strides by installing turtle-safe lighting on beach facilities, and continued support from local residents and businesses will make an even greater impact.
A sincere thank-you to the community members who acted quickly, and to the KWPD and Wildlife Center teams for their assistance. Together, we can give hatchlings their best chance to reach the sea.💚
Save-A-Turtle Key West volunteers work under Marine Turtle Permit #080. Please never approach or handle a sea turtle. All sea turtle species are protected under federal and state law.
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