Alarming Rise in Dog Attacks on Nesting Sea Turtles Reported in Panama

Panama's Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente) has issued a warning about a significant rise in dog attacks targeting sea turtles that come ashore to nest on Panamanian beaches. The ministry reports that these incidents have led to the deaths of several turtles in recent weeks.

Digna Barsallo, Director of Coasts and Seas at MiAmbiente, stated that while such incidents are not new, there has been a noticeable increase, particularly in Punta Chame. In the past month alone, five attacks were recorded in this area, with four turtles succumbing to injuries inflicted by dogs. The most recent attacks occurred over a single weekend, including one where a turtle was mauled by multiple dogs while attempting to nest.

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This type of incident is not new, but recently there has been an increase in cases, mainly in Punta Chame, where five attacks have been documented in the last month. Of these, four turtles died as a result of the injuries caused by dogs.

Barsallo highlighted that a census in the affected area revealed most of the dogs involved have owners. This has prompted the ministry to emphasize the critical importance of responsible pet ownership, especially along beaches that serve as nesting grounds for turtles. MiAmbiente personnel provided veterinary care to a surviving turtle, an adult olive ridley, a species classified as vulnerable in Panama, cleaning and suturing its wounds and administering medication.

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The cases most recent occurred between last Friday and Saturday. In one of them, a turtle was attacked by several dogs that caused injuries to its fins while it was in the process of nesting.

Panama boasts over 200 nesting beaches along its Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Key nesting sites include Isla Cañas, Playa Venado, and Punta Chame. During nesting seasons, monitoring and protection efforts are intensified at these locations, often with the support of environmental organizations and local communities.

MiAmbiente reminds beach visitors to avoid touching, chasing, or interfering with nesting turtles, and to refrain from disturbing hatchlings as they make their way to the sea, as this journey is vital for their development. The institution is actively investigating the Punta Chame attacks, gathering testimonies from witnesses, although no direct video evidence exists. Barsallo also urged the public not to feed, handle, or harass any wild animals, stressing the risks to both humans and wildlife. Incidents involving wildlife can be reported via the 311 hotline or to regional MiAmbiente authorities.

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We insist on the importance of responsible pet ownership, especially on beaches used by turtles to lay their eggs.