A sea turtle nest was vandalized on Orange Beach on July 17th and 18th. The incident left one hatchling dead and several eggs broken, although most of the nest remained intact. The viability of the remaining eggs is uncertain. This act has prompted the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to install cameras to monitor the nest and deter further incidents.

Tampering with sea turtle nests is a federal crime under the Endangered Species Act, due to the threatened status of these animals. All species of sea turtles except the flatback turtle are considered threatened or endangered. Sea turtles use the dark, undisturbed beaches along the Gulf of Mexico for nesting from May through October.

The incident is being investigated by local authorities, including the Orange Beach Police Department. The public is urged to report any suspicious activity related to sea turtle nests by contacting the police or the Sea Turtle Hotline.

For more information about sea turtle conservation or to report sea turtle nesting activity, individuals can visit the Alabama Coastal Foundation's website or call the hotline at 1-866-SEA-TURTLE.