Boaters reminded to watch for turtles

MATTAPOISETT, Mass. (AP) - The deaths of two large sea turtles found on Massachusetts beaches in recent weeks has prompted a reminder to boaters to keep a close eye out for the creatures.

Officials say a juvenile loggerhead was found dead on a beach in Mattapoisett last week. The turtle had a badly-smashed shell, evidence that it was struck by a power boat.

A leatherback turtle weighing as much of 500 pounds washed ashore on a beach in Dennisport earlier this month. The Massachusetts Audubon Society says that turtle had three wounds apparently caused by a propeller.

Another leatherback was recently freed by a team from the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies after becoming entangled in fishing gear in Cape Cod Bay.

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Information from: The Standard-Times