Confused Turtles

Like a baby duck that will follow the first moving object it sees, baby turtles will head towards the first lights they see. This is most often the light reflecting from the ocean. This instinct is supposed to lead them to the ocean, and it is believed to set their magnetic compass to aid them in their return home. If the turtle’s first sight of light is of city lights, however, they will make their way towards those instead. Even when turned to face the ocean, supposedly the turtles will remain disoriented. This is yet another unfortunate reality of human activity disturbing nature.