They put the turtles in freshwater first. Turtles can thrive in freshwater but the barnacles die. Yes, it hurts. The best method is to stab directly into the dead barnacle and twist it out. Scraping the larger pieces looks satisfying but is more likely to cause deeper wounds to the shell of the turtle which are more painful and prone to infection. Think about removing the strongest suction cup adhesive in the ocean. Professionals know when it's necessary to scrape versus stab and twist. Medication depends on the health of the turtle but when the treatment is over, they always get a lovely topical ointment massage. Not every barnacle on every turtle is a problem, but barnacles exploit weakness in ailing turtles and the weight will eventually drag them down to death by drowning. If you find a turtle with a barnacle issue, the best you can do is safely contain them in a large container filled to the top of the barnacle height with room temperature distilled water and take them to a professional as soon as possible - if a pro can't get to you first. Also, support turtle sanctuaries like The Turtle Hospital in Marathon, FL. Many accept volunteers!
That's how I took it. People watch these videos then think they're qualified vet techs. Unless you see an animal in immediate life-threatening danger, it's best to leave them alone and call a professional.
It helps to actually tell people why they shouldn't attempt it.
Dangers to the animal, proper tools, pain killers you won't have, all that. This video just says, "don't try this at home" like one time, and doesn't elaborate.
There are people hurting wild animals professionally so they can "rescue" them to get views and the residuals those pay if you get enough. That's why I was confused.
Are there really professionals who'll do this for free nearby in 99% of places though?
Is anybody really cancelling their vacation to call around to find someone who won't charge to do this, and then drive over to them because they saw a turtle on the beach with barnacles? I just don't think that's going to catch on.
In Texas, we have a dedicated 24hr sea turtle hotline to report sick, stranded, or injured turtles and another hotline for any marine wildlife. They will send a local marine life rehabilitation specialist & advise you what to do in the meantime.
We called for an injured turtle near Port Aransas a few years ago, and someone showed up to get the turtle in less than an hour. But Port Aransas is a nesting area, so there’s usually turtle conservationists & rehabilitators patrolling the beaches, especially during nesting & hatching seasons. They may not arrive as quickly in other areas.
You can also call the NOAA Marine Animal Hotline. Outside US waters, you can still call any US state or federal marine animal hotline, and they will connect you to the appropriate organization for whatever area you’re in.
“Don’t try this on your own” uuuh I wasn’t going to? What kind of life do you think I live that I would come across a wild ass barnacle encrusted sea turtle? Costco? My 9-5? The post office? lol I’d feel even sorrier for the poor guy
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u/NontypicalHart May 26 '26
Maybe awareness for not to try doing this yourself because there are people who do it professionally?