TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Aug. 9 (UPI) -- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission shared a message warning residents not to paint the shells of turtles and tortoises.
The FWC shared photos of painted turtles and tortoises and warned that it is illegal to paint them and can be harmful to their health.
"The paint can hinder their ability to absorb vitamins they need from the sun, cause respiratory problems, allow toxic chemicals into the bloodstream and more," they wrote.
Residents were encouraged to admire Florida's wildlife without painting it, with the FWC saying, "tortoises and turtles don't need touch-ups!"
"You can paint your house, a piece of furniture, a canvas, or even your own fingernails or toenails, but you should never paint the shells of turtles and gopher tortoises!" the FWC wrote.
