3 Dead Leatherback Turtles Wash Up On Cape Shores

In just a week and a half, three leatherback turtles have washed up on the shores of Cape Cod Bay. The dead turtles showed signs of entanglement from fishing or boating gear, according to the Cape Cod Times. Leatherbacks are the world's largest turtle species and Atlantic leatherbacks are commonly found in Cape waters in the spring and through late August and early September.

The recent sightings bring the total number of dead leatherbacks washed up in the state to six since mid-September, the Times reported. Two of the three turtles that washed up over the last ten days were juveniles.

According to the Times, more leatherback sightings were reported by boaters in the bay this season than in prior seasons. To report an injured, cold-stunned or entangled sea turtle, call 508-349-2615, ext. 6104.

Read more about this story at Cape Cod Times.