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.
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.
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