Man Arrested After Tossing Sea Turtle Hatchlings Into Ocean at Fort Lauderdale Beach

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A Fort Lauderdale man was arrested for disturbing a sea turtle nest and throwing hatchlings into the ocean in a shocking wildlife violation, according to a recent report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Officers responded to a call on Fort Lauderdale Beach, where the suspect, who was not named in the report, had been detained by the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. An investigation revealed the man had dug into a sea turtle nest, removed the baby turtles, and hurled them into the water.

The suspect was arrested on multiple counts of molesting a sea turtle nest, resisting arrest, and possession of illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia. He was taken to Broward County Jail, facing a slew of charges related to the incident.

Sea turtles are a protected species, and interfering with their nests is a serious violation under both state and federal law.