Director, Commonwealth Policy Center

A Kentucky couple visiting a beach on the Atlantic landed themselves in hot water when they picked up several sea turtle hatchlings and took them back to their hotel. The hotel housekeeper found a half dozen tiny loggerhead turtles swimming around in a trashcan. When authorities discovered this, the couple got in big trouble. Loggerheads are a threatened species and even touching one can result in a fine of up to $10,500. Even though the couple said they were trying to help the turtles, it's unclear what consequences they'll face.  It is clear that we value wildlife and try to protect vulnerable species. It's our role to be caretakers of God's creation and this includes Loggerhead turtles, but as this couple is finding out the hard way, care of endangered wildlife is better left to the professionals.