Huge Sea Turtle Found Dead On Long Island

FORT SALONGA, NY — A huge leatherback, a rare species of sea turtle, was found dead near Callahan's Beach in Fort Salonga on Wednesday morning, the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society said.

The turtle was male, around 4.75 feet long and likely a mature adult based on the length of its tail, the AMCS said. The three distinct cuts found on its top shell are consistent with a vessel strike, and the turtle was otherwise in good body condition, the AMCS said.

The World Wildlife Fund lists leatherback sea turtles as a vulnerable species.

The AMCS said its responded to 13 sea turtles so far this year, with this being the first leatherback. Of the 13 responses, 10 have evidence of human interaction. Nine were deceased with evidence of vessel strike and one had been caught on a fishing hook, but freed itself.

A loggerhead, another endangered species of sea turtle, died after being struck by a boat propeller in Reynolds Channel earlier this month.

The AMCS is encouraging the public to be aware that we share our waters with these animals and to give them at least 150 feet of space if sighted swimming. Any stranded animal can be reported to the NYS Stranding Hotline at 631-369-9829.