Idiots trying to save baby tortoises have actually been killing them.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:

A tortoise is not the same thing as a turtle.

This is a tortoise:

This is a turtle:

Someone needs to share this information with the residents of Florida ASAP, since well-meaning people have been trying to ‘save’ gopher tortoises by throwing them into the ocean. Unfortunately for the tortoises, they are land animals who cannot swim, and upon being ‘set free’ into the ocean, they immediately, well, drown.

The worst part? They’re BABY tortoises. Idiots are drowning baby tortoises.

AP reports that The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission have recently seen an increase in the amount of accidental tortoise murders, mostly hatchlings that look like they may need help getting to the ocean. Unfortunately for all involved (but probably mostly for the tortoises), they actually need to stay far, far away from the ocean.

Oh, human race. Do better please.

h/t: Gawker