EASTHAM, Mass. — A young sea turtle was found stranded on a Cape Cod beach Sunday for the second time in 10 days.
The 300-pound leatherback sea turtle was rescued from First Encounter Beach in Eastham.
Volunteers, including the Director of Mass. Audubon at Wellfleet Bay Bob Prescott, lifted the turtle onto a small cart to be rescued.
Second live leatherback stranding of the monthEarlier this month, it happened in Brewster. Today, a second live leatherback sea turtle washed up in Eastham. The New England Aquarium is working hard to save it. We're also grateful for the awesome folks at First Encounter Beach who helped hoist this 300 pounder onto a cart and into a truck for transport to Quincy. So many folks working so well together to help an endangered animal!
Posted by Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary on Sunday, November 11, 2018
According to the Mass. Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary, Leatherback sea turtles can reach up to 2,000 pounds and are rarely found stranded alive. The turtles usually wash ashore dead after a vessel strike or fishing gear entanglement.
Officials said the turtle appeared to be in good health and was taken to the New England Aquarium to begin emergency treatment.
MORE: 54-foot whale known as 'Ladders' washes ashore on Cape Cod
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