No 'immediate signs' of human interaction in leatherback turtle necropsy

A dead leatherback turtle that was found washed ashore near O'Leary, P.E.I., on Tuesday showed no "immediate signs of human interaction," says one of the pathologists who conducted the necropsy.

The Atlantic Veterinary College searched theturtle for fractures on the flippers andcarapace, said pathologist Laura Bourque, as well as looking forscars that may have indicated that the turtle had been entangled in fishing line.

Bourquesaid they didn't see any sign of human interaction with the 700-pound female turtle, but also couldn't determine the exact cause of death because the body was so decomposed.

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"It was very rotten, unfortunately when we opened it upthe coelomic contents were almost liquefied," Bourque said.

"We were able to identify certain organs but other organs we were not. It was very smelly."

The college ruled out several signsof human contact.

However, Bourque said they cannot determine how old theturtle was or if they'll learn anything new about why the turtle even washed ashore.

Theendangered turtles are known to migrate to the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence and Northumberland Strait to feed on jellyfish.

"Because it's so decomposed I don't hold out much hope that these further tests that we're going to do will enlighten us very much," she said.

"This may remain a mystery, unfortunately."

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