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World's Largest Turtles Pop Up in South Carolina Waters

Turtles are following food sources in state waters.

Columbia, SC (WLTX) - Boaters, beware! Leatherbacks, the world's largest turtles, have been spotted in South Carolina.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources says the turtles are tracking food sources, like cannonball jelly fish, causing them to pop up in state waters. They are typically seen during the spring and fall migration between the feeding grounds of Nova Scotia and tropical nesting beaches.

Credit: Mari Armstrong/ South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

Considered unique for their leathery shell, these turtles range from 800 to 1,300 pounds and reach six feet in shell length, according to the SCDNR.

Boaters are asked to look out for these rare animals near shore waters, and report any injured or dead turtles to 1-800-922-5431.

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