CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — Texas Parks and Wildlife has received several reports of people harassing and dogs chasing juvenile green sea turtles that are showing up near Corpus Christi.
According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, a large number of juvenile green sea turtles are showing up on or near the shores and jetties near Corpus Christi and possibly more areas. The turtles are returning to bays and estuaries from the Gulf of Mexico to continue their growth in shallow waters.
Texas Parks and Wildlife says they have received reports or people chasing and picking up sea turtles for pictures. People are also allowing their dogs to chase and harass the turtles.
In one instance, six juvenile green sea turtles were captured in a cast net and subsequently drowned.
Sea turtles are protected under the Endangered Species Act. It is a violation to capture, harass, harm, pursue or attempt to engage in any such activity directed at these animals.
If you come across small sea turtles while at the beach, Texas Parks and Wildlife encourages the public to take advantage of the opportunity to observe these animals in the wild, but do not attempt to capture, touch or chase them. People should also keep their pets from chasing or interfering with the.
If the turtle is injured, hooked or entangled in fishing line, please contact the Sea Turtle Stranding Network at 1-866-TURTLE-5. If you observe someone harassing or attempting to capture a sea turtle please contact Operation Game Thief at 1-800-792-GAME.
