Woman seen attacking a sea turtle nest on Florida beach winds up in jail
Deanna Paul17:28, Jun 17 2019
A 41-year-old woman was arrested by US police on the weekend after attacking a sea turtle nest with a wooden stake.
According to Miami Beach police, officers and eye witnesses saw Yaqun Lu "jabbing at the sea turtle nest and stomping all over the nest with her bare feet", the Miami Herald reported.
The Michigan resident was discovered inside a fenced-off area that was cordoned to protect hatchlings; yellow tape, sticks and a "Do Not Disturb" sign warned the public to stay away.
TURNER GUILFORD KNIGHT CORRECTIONAL CENTER/TNS
Yaqun Lu was charged with disturbing a sea turtle nest in Miami Beach.
Lu is facing felony charges for violating Florida law and the US Endangered Species Act of 1973, which makes it a crime to harm or harass sea turtles, their nests or hatchlings.
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Officials from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission inspected the nest and determined the eggs were not harmed by Lu, according to WPLG.
Each spring, 70 per cent of the nation's sea turtle nesting - including Loggerhead, Green and Leatherback marine turtles - takes place in Florida.
During the nesting season, which occurs between March and October, thousands of female turtles lay eggs in self-dug holes, then they cover the eggs with sand to shield them from predators.
Nearly two months later, the hatchlings scurry to the sea, guided by moonlight and its reflection; one in 1000 baby turtles survives into adulthood, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Lu, a Chinese citizen, was charged with molesting or harassing marine turtles or their eggs, and she could face up to five years in prison if Lu is convicted of the third-degree felony. Since Saturday, she has been held on US$5000 bond (NZ$7600).
The Washington Post
Deanna Paul17:28, Jun 17 2019
A 41-year-old woman was arrested by US police on the weekend after attacking a sea turtle nest with a wooden stake.
According to Miami Beach police, officers and eye witnesses saw Yaqun Lu "jabbing at the sea turtle nest and stomping all over the nest with her bare feet", the Miami Herald reported.
The Michigan resident was discovered inside a fenced-off area that was cordoned to protect hatchlings; yellow tape, sticks and a "Do Not Disturb" sign warned the public to stay away.
TURNER GUILFORD KNIGHT CORRECTIONAL CENTER/TNS
Yaqun Lu was charged with disturbing a sea turtle nest in Miami Beach.
Lu is facing felony charges for violating Florida law and the US Endangered Species Act of 1973, which makes it a crime to harm or harass sea turtles, their nests or hatchlings.
READ MORE:
* Oceanographer's ashes going to sea aboard rescued sea turtle
* Girl, 10, fights off alligator by poking it in the nose
* Please don't paint the turtles, Florida wildlife officials say
* Florida woman charged for allegedly riding sea turtle
Officials from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission inspected the nest and determined the eggs were not harmed by Lu, according to WPLG.
Each spring, 70 per cent of the nation's sea turtle nesting - including Loggerhead, Green and Leatherback marine turtles - takes place in Florida.
During the nesting season, which occurs between March and October, thousands of female turtles lay eggs in self-dug holes, then they cover the eggs with sand to shield them from predators.
Nearly two months later, the hatchlings scurry to the sea, guided by moonlight and its reflection; one in 1000 baby turtles survives into adulthood, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Lu, a Chinese citizen, was charged with molesting or harassing marine turtles or their eggs, and she could face up to five years in prison if Lu is convicted of the third-degree felony. Since Saturday, she has been held on US$5000 bond (NZ$7600).
The Washington Post
