Surfside Beach Police Corral Escaped Tortoise on Ocean Boulevard

In Surfside Beach, South Carolina, police officers were startled to find a tortoise leisurely traversing Ocean Boulevard near 13th Avenue South. Initially believed to be a sea turtle that had wandered ashore, the reptile was later identified as an escaped pet. The Surfside Beach Police Department stated, "Upon collaboration with DNR and other wildlife experts, it's been determined this is most likely a pet." The tortoise's owner was located, and the wayward traveler was safely returned home.
This incident highlights the challenges of distinguishing between native and non-native species in coastal areas. The Surfside Beach Police Department's swift action ensured the tortoise's safety and prevented potential hazards on the busy roadway. As one officer humorously noted, "It's not every day you see a tortoise taking a stroll down Ocean Boulevard."
The tortoise's unexpected beachside adventure serves as a reminder for pet owners to secure their enclosures, lest their shelled companions embark on unsanctioned seaside vacations.