North Carolina Green Turtle Unveils 1.5-Pound Barnacle Disguise Rescue

North Carolina green turtle, found stranded with 1.5 pounds of barnacles and algae, stunned rescuers at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation Center staff uncovered her shell beneath a crusty layer of epibiotaānatureās most committed cling-ons. āAlready looking much more active,ā the team quipped, as the turtle emerged from her accidental camouflage with spa-day energy.
After removing barnacles and sea creatures, the young turtleās transformation wowed aquarium staff. The juvenile was brought back from the brink, her shell finally free in the North Carolina Aquariumās care. The marine rescue team called it āa heavy load of epibiotaāāproof that even turtles can get weighed down by social obligations. Sheās now reportedly swimming stronger than ever, ready to dodge future barnacle freeloaders.
Green sea turtles can host over a pound of epibiotaānatureās version of an unwanted house partyāif stranded too long.