FWC SEEKS LEADS IN BUTCHERED SEA TURTLE CASE

February 27, 2006
CONTACT: Karen Parker (386) 758-0525

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) investigators have appealed to the public for information in connection with an endangered leatherback sea turtle carcass, discovered in Jennings State Forest.

FWC investigators said the apparently butchered carcass turned up in Clay County Jan. 17 near the intersection of SR 217 and Longbranch Road. Investigators believe the carcass had been there since late December or early January. They are evaluating forensic evidence from the scene.

Killing an endangered species is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine.

“Anyone with information regarding this case should contact us right away,” investigations supervisor Capt. Martin Redmond said.

Anyone with knowledge about the dead sea turtle or how it wound up in the forest can call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert hotline toll free at 1-888-404-3922. Callers can remain anonymous and are eligible for a cash reward if the information leads to an arrest and conviction. Reports can also be made online at MyFWC.com/law/Alert/.

Leatherback sea turtles are named for their rubbery shell and are the largest sea turtles. Adults can weigh between 700 and 2,000 pounds and reach 4 to 8 feet in length. Last year 783 leatherback nests were counted on Florida’s beaches. Nesting season runs from March to July.
 

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