ST. PETERSBURG FL (WFLA News) -- The State Fish and Wildlife Commission is asking for people's help as it investigates a mysterious die-off of some 300 freshwater turtles in and near the St. Johns River in northeast Florida over the past year... including soft-shell and cooter turtles.
Michelle Kerr with the FWC's Marine Research Institute in St. Petersburg, says scientists working with FWC believe the cause is a virus, which they haven't identified. She says they've eliminated red tide or blue green algae as factors in the turtle kills.
Scientists have 18 specimens of turtles that they're examining in Gainesville labs. They say the public can help by reporting sightings of sick or dead freshwater turtles via the FWC reporter app or by calling 352-339-8597.
In the meantime, you shouldn't move a freshwater turtle, sick or well. FWC says that could spread the illness to new areas.