What happens if you disturb a turtle laying eggs?

Disturbing a turtle laying eggs can be extremely harmful, as it may cause the turtle to leave without finishing nesting, and it is also illegal, with penalties including a $5,000 fine and/or five years in prison. Disturbing turtle eggs or their nests can also transfer bacteria to the eggs, harming the animals inside, and can even destroy the eggs, especially if they are moved, as sea turtles that hatch from human-made nests may have less well-developed brains, sexual organs, and motor skills than hatchlings from natural nests.

Understanding Turtle Nesting and the Importance of Leaving Them Undisturbed

The Nesting Process

When a female turtle lays her eggs, she digs a nest in the sand using her back flippers, a process that usually takes from one to three hours. After laying her eggs, the mother turtle slowly drags herself back to the ocean, leaving the eggs to incubate in the warm sand for about 60 days. It is crucial to leave the turtle and her nest undisturbed during this process to ensure the eggs have the best chance of survival.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Disturbing Turtles Laying Eggs

1. Q: What is the penalty for disturbing turtle eggs? A: Sea turtles, their eggs, and their nests are protected under state and federal law. Under state law, destroying a sea turtle nest or eggs is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to a $5,000 fine and/or five years in prison.
2. Q: What to do if you see a turtle laying eggs? A: If you discover a turtle nesting on your property, leave the nest where it is and protect it from predators with a “nest cage”. Moving the eggs will most likely destroy them.
3. Q: Can you move a turtle laying eggs? A: Turtles should never be moved, especially when they are nesting. If a turtle is in danger, it should be moved in the direction it is facing, but this should be done with extreme caution and ideally by a professional.
4. Q: What happens if you touch a turtle egg? A: Touching sea turtle eggs can transfer bacteria that can harm the animals inside. Sunscreen residue, snacks, or drinks can also be harmful to tiny sea turtles.
5. Q: What destroys turtle eggs? A: Natural predation from crabs, ants, raccoons, and birds targets turtle eggs and hatchlings. Human activities, including disturbing nests and pollution, also significantly threaten turtle eggs.
6. Q: What are the risks of moving turtle eggs? A: Sea turtles that hatch from human-made nests may have less well-developed brains, sexual organs, and motor skills than hatchlings from natural nests.
7. Q: Do turtles go back to their eggs after they lay them? A: No, once a nest has been completed, the female turtle never returns to it. The eggs and resulting hatchlings are left to fend for themselves and locate the water upon emerging.
8. Q: How many hours does it take for a turtle to lay eggs? A: Digging the nest and laying eggs usually takes from one to three hours, after which the mother turtle slowly drags herself back to the ocean.
9. Q: How many months does it take for a turtle to lay eggs? A: In general, turtles lay their first clutch of eggs about three to six weeks after mating. Before they lay their eggs, nearly all turtles prepare by making a nest on land.
10. Q: Why do turtles cry when they lay eggs? A: Turtles cry to maintain the correct balance of salt in their bodies and to flush sand from their eyes. This is a natural process and not a sign of distress.
11. Q: How do I protect my yard from turtle eggs? A: Building a nest cage can protect turtle eggs and hatchlings if turtles are nesting on your property. Keeping a safe distance and not disturbing the nest is also crucial.
12. Q: What to do if you see a turtle nesting? A: Keep a respectful distance of at least 10 feet from sea turtles and their nests. Report any nesting activity to the NOAA Fisheries Marine Wildlife Hotline at 1-888-256-9840.
13. Q: Why are turtle eggs illegal? A: Despite laws protecting sea turtles in most countries, the illegal trade of eggs, meat, and shells of turtles continues to be a major threat to their survival.
14. Q: Is it illegal to smash turtle eggs? A: Yes, interacting with turtle eggs or nests can carry a penalty. Destroying a sea turtle nest or eggs is a third-degree felony.
15. Q: Do baby turtles find their mother? A: No, mother turtles do not care for their young. Once the eggs have been laid, the mother has done her job and returns to her pond, leaving the young turtles completely independent from the moment they hatch.