Officials try to find whoever injured rare sea turtle

HATTERAS ISLAND, NC (AP) — Federal officials say they have found the carcass of a rare sea turtle near the old Frisco Pier, days after it was struck by a spear.

The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk reports officials from the Cape Hatteras National Seashore said law enforcement rangers have identified a suspect who they believe used a speargun to shoot the turtle while in waters near the pier.

The turtle’s carcass was found on Friday in the area of the pier after it was speared on Wednesday. At first, it was believed to be one of five threatened or endangered species found on the Outer Banks including loggerhead, Kemp’s Ridley, Green,leatherback and hawksbill.

Seashore officials say violations involving an endangered species can bring fines of up to $50,000 and a year in jail.

Information from: The Virginian-Pilot, http://pilotonline.com

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