A large, 150lb sea turtle is recovering after it was found with a spear through its neck off Key Largo on September 7, according to The Turtle Hospital.
Now named Splinter, the green sea turtle is recovering after veterinarians at The Turtle Hospital removed the spear.
"No words for this horrific act," the hospital wrote on Facebook.
X-rays show just how massive the spear was, spanning more than half the turtle's body.
The hospital says Splinter is looking great after the removal. Now, the question turns to who shot the animal.
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"All species of sea turtles in and around the United States are protected by Federal and State Laws," the hospital said on Facebook. "It is a felony to touch or harm a sea turtle in the United States."
FWC is searching for tips related to this case. Anyone with information is asked to contact them.
TIPS NEEDED: 150lb #seaturtle with 3-foot spear in the base of its neck, a lobster trap line & buoy caught around the spear is rescued and recovering after emergency surgery @TurtleHospital : https://t.co/sCDMtOxM6B #Florida #FLKeys pic.twitter.com/XDOJQNhbxM
— MyFWC (@MyFWC) September 11, 2019
