The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is looking for a man who was photographed disturbing a sea turtle nest in Sarasota County.
The incident happened on Aug. 13 on Casey Key, according to the FWC. A photographer who saw the incident was able to snap a picture of the suspect.
Turtle Hospital Hold Public Release for 'Taco'
When the photographer confronted the suspect, he claimed he was collecting turtle eggs to be released later when they hatched, but there is no program that permits that, the FWC said.
State and federal law protects sea turtles and their nests. 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.
Anyone who recognizes the man is asked to call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.
More Local Stories:
