Local dog being trained to protect sea turtle nests

A project to preserve sea turtles in Hawaii is getting help from a Miami Valley dog and her trainer.

Tau, a 2-year-old Australian Cattle dog, is being trained to search for Green and Hawksbill turtle nests. Atehna Haus, who works with search and rescue dogs in Bellbrook, is training him.

Tau’s job, when his training ends in September, will be to prevent predators from eating the turtles’ eggs before they hatch.

Green and Hawksbill turtles are considered endangered species, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

“The hope is to get more turtles to the sea so they can return and reproduce,” said Haus.

Sea turtles lay their eggs on beaches in the main Hawaiian islands. The eggs are often eaten by mongooses, rats, dogs, pigs and other predators. Humans also illegally harvest sea turtle eggs, NOAA said.

The hatchlings that survive enters the ocean and begin an offshore journey referred to as “the lost years.” The turtles will roam the ocean for up to 10 years before they return to shore as juveniles. From that point on, they will migrate within the Hawaiian Archipelago for the remainder of their lives, according to NOAA.

You can support project Tau by visiting www.gofundme.com/tag8g58