A dead loggerhead sea turtle washed ashore May 26 in Rehoboth Beach, near the north end of the Boardwalk.
Marine Education, Research & Rehabilitation Institute volunteers responded to the scene. One of the volunteers said the turtle had been found against the rock wall and appeared to be dead from a boat propeller strike.
“It’s a shame,” said the volunteer, who declined to be identified.
If a person comes across a turtle or other marine wildlife, the best thing to do is to keep a distance and report sightings to MERR via a 24-hour reporting hotline, 302-228-5029. The stranding specialists from MERR will evaluate the animal for any signs of injury or illness, and will provide rescue if needed. In the case of a healthy, resting animal, MERR will set up a watch throughout the day to help it rest undisturbed.
The loggerhead sea turtle is a federally listed threatened species and a state-listed endangered species in Delaware. On the East Coast, loggerheads typically nest on sandy beaches from North Carolina to Florida.
For more information, go to merrinstitute.org.