Beachgoers should drive with the utmost caution when they cruise the waterfront at night, sea turtle preservationists warn, because you never know when a sea turtle may be in your path.
This was the case when a nesting loggerhead sea turtle was hit by a vehicle early Sunday morning at Carova Beach in North Carolina, according to the Network for Endangered Sea Turtles.
The injured turtle was found by a police officer patrolling on a four-wheeler in the recreational area of Carova Beach. The officer contacted N.E.S.T. to help.
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The turtle was transported to receive medical care but had to be humanely euthanized due to the severity of the injuries.
N.E.S.T. volunteers were able to locate the nest, where the turtle had laid over 100 eggs. N.E.S.T will provide protection to the incubating eggs.
Since nesting and hatching season will continue through September, N.E.S.T. encourages visitors to follow the posted speed limits, scan the beach carefully in front of vehicles, and give wildlife space.
Protected nests will also have their perimeter marked with reflective tape.
Sea turtles are protected by the Endangered Species Act so punishments for destruction of nests or sea turtles, upon conviction, include fines of not more than $25,000 and up to six months in prison or both.