Late last month, a dead sea turtle was found in a National Park in Florida. The turtle had a spear shaft through its head that was obviously put there by a poacher. The park authorities of Biscayne National Park found the animal’s body and are now searching for the person responsible.
All species of sea turtles in the United States are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act. They also have additional protections under the Florida Marine Turtle Protection Act. If anyone harms an animal that is protected under the Endangered Species Act, they risk a fine of up $50,000 and up to a year in prison. The perpetrator could also face civil penalties.
Unfortunately, this is not the only sea turtle incident that has occurred this summer. One woman was arrested after she was seen stomping on a sea turtle nest in Miami Beach. She was jabbing the sea turtle nest with a wooden stake while inside an area that was closed to the public due to sea turtle nesting.
Human-animal interactions are a part of life in the Miami area. However many incidents do not end well for the animals. If you see someone abusing wildlife in your area, please make sure to report it to the local authorities.