On the island of Cuttyhunk in Massachusetts, a rare leatherback turtle washed ashore, giving scientists and residents a glimpse of the largest turtle in the world. Word of the rare 500 pound turtle spread quick and people in the community and scientists all came to check it out. The turtle was badly decayed, and scientists weren't even able to tell for sure if it was a male or female. The turtle was tagged in the Caribbean and had most likely migrated with the jellyfish to the Eastern Seaboard. It most likely would've returned to the Caribbean where it was born.

Some leatherbacks grow up to 6.5 feet and can weigh up to 2,000 pounds. These larger leatherbacks are believed to live for more than 100 years. Leatherbacks spend much of their life close to the ocean surface, but have also been spotted more than 4,000 feet underwater.

The leatherback has been seen in the waters of Nantucket Sound and Vineyard Sound around 40 times this year, which is encouraging for animal lovers and scientists alike. Although this turtle did not live to see it's 100th birthday, it did provide a large amount of excitement as residents flocked to watch the team of scientists collect samples. Hopefully the scientists can use the data they collect to determine what killed the turtle, so that maybe precautions or some insight comes from this turtle's life & death.

To see a picture and read more about this turtle visit this link:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/07/24/as_endangered_turtl...

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