Originally posted: Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016, 11:38 p.m.

A woman visiting a Bay Area beach is now in hot water after a Snapchat video she posted of sea turtle hatchlings landed in the hands of authorities.

  • FWC investigating incident
  • Woman who shot video has not been arrested

The video, which authorities believe was shot around August 11, shows dozens of sea turtles making their way to the water on Long Boat Key.

(Due to our Crime Guidelines, we are unable to display the video.)

The video then shows the woman actually picking up one of the hatchlings. Florida Fish and Wildlife officials say that’s against the law, and dangerous for the hatchlings.

The woman broke another rule regarding turtle hatchlings on the beach with the light used in the video. Lights and flash cameras are prohibited on beaches with sea turtle hatchlings, as the turtles may mistake them for light reflecting off ocean water.

One of the many reasons FWC officials say people shouldn’t disturb the hatchlings is because when they’re leaving their nest they already have a long way to go to get to the water. If a human picks one of them up, it throws them off of their path and makes them more vulnerable to animals that will attack them.

People visiting the beach watched the video in disbelief.

“Somebody needs to go to jail, they really do,” said beachgoer Robert Ferber.

Another visitor to the beach, Marisa Secord, agreed.

“I think as citizens we need to follow the protocol for what they post for the beaches, so that everybody can enjoy the sea animals,” said Secord.

“You’re older and I think you should know better not to pick up a turtle from its house, from its habitat,” said 11-year-old Grace Voltzke.

Sea turtle hatchlings are protected by both state and federal regulations. That’s exactly why FWC officials say the woman is under investigation and could face criminal charges.

Sea turtle nesting season begins from March 1 and ends Oct. 31. If you see a sick or injured turtle or see an incident like this one, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife hotline at 1-888-404-3922.