Endangered sea turtle stuck between 2 rocks after laying eggs rescued by Florida first responders
Loggerhead sea turtle came ashore to lay eggs, got trapped on its way back to water, authorities say
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}An endangered sea turtle was rescued after getting stuck between rocks on a Florida beach, authorities said Monday.
The loggerhead sea turtle came ashore in Martin County to lay eggs and tried to make it back to the water through a narrow path on the rocks but got stuck, the Martin County Sheriff's Office said.
ANGLER BREAKS STATE RECORD WITH 127-POUND CATCH: 'WE GOT REALLY LUCKY'
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A loggerhead sea turtle is shown stuck between rocks in Florida. (Martin County Sheriff’s Office)
"She began to weaken after trying so hard to free herself," the sheriff's office said.
Sheriff's Deputy Jose Garcia, along with firefighters and officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, began a "full-scale rescue" to save the turtle.
It was freed and released back into the water.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}OFFICIALS STUMPED BY HUNDREDS OF DEAD FISH FOUND IN POND: 'STILL BEING INVESTIGATED'
First responders rescue a loggerhead sea turtle stuck between rocks in Florida. (Martin County Sheriff's Office)
Loggerhead sea turtles are endangered and are protected by the Endangered Species Act. Loggerheads are the most abundant species of sea turtle that nests in the United States, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The biggest threat to their existence is through bycatch, their unintended capture in fishing gear, which can result in drowning or can cause injuries that lead to death.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A sea turtle is shown stuck between rocks. (Martin County Sheriff's Office)
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP
Much of the fishing gear that can pose a danger includes trawls, longlines, gillnets, hook and line, but they may also include pound nets, pot/traps and dredges.