Seabird snapped passing baby chick discarded cigarette butt
A photo snapped by a horrified beachgoer has provided a stark reminder for people to clean up after themselves when they spend time in nature.
Karen Mason was visiting St Pete's Beach in the US state of Florida when she noticed a seabird passing something to its newborn chick.
On closer inspection, she was horrified.
A mother seabird was snapped passing a cigarette butt to her chick. Karen Mason
"When I realised it was a cigarette butt it was very upsetting," she told nine.com.au.
"There is no reason for people to throw their cigarette butts on the beach or anywhere else."
A second photo shows the young chick running along the beach with the piece of rubbish in its mouth.
Karen Mason, who photographed the interaction, said it was very upsetting. Karen Mason
Ms Mason said if people could find a way to carry a mobile phone, they could figure out how to properly dispose of their cigarette ends.
"These birds have a tough time raising their chicks without making it harder," she said.
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