KEY LARGO, Fla. — Biologists are used to running into animals while out on dives.
A group of biologists with the Florida Wildlife Commission was disturbed to run into a loggerhead sea turtle tangled up in rope and what appeared to be fishing materials while the team was on the way out for a day of diving in Key Largo. The team cut the animal free and let it swim away.
The protected turtles range in size from 2.4 to 3.5 feet and can weigh between 155 and 412 pounds, according to FWC's website. Loggerheads are protected due to their threatened federal status.
The turtle is named for its block-like head and is Florida's most common sea turtle, the website adds.
This turtle isn't the first and only turtle to get stuck in fishing line and gear, unfortunately. Clearwater Marine Aquarium has documented several instances of turtles and other sea life needing to be rehabilitated after being caught in fishing materials.
As always, Clearwater Marine Aquarium urges residents to contact its rescue team or first responders directly when they come across a sick or injured marine animal.
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