Leatherback Turtle Rescued From Fishing Gear [PHOTOS]

Fishing gear can be dangerous for our ocean friends as one leatherback turtle learned the hard way this weekend.

The Massachusetts Environmental Police posted on Facebook about a leatherback turtle rescue in Wellfleet Harbor over the weekend that luckily ended well.

An officer actually spotted the distressed turtle in the water and then managed to get close enough to try and untangle the animal.

The turtle had gotten mixed up in some fishing gear and unfortunately the fishing line had gotten tangled so tightly around the turtle's neck that the MEP officer couldn't remove it at first.

Luckily the MEP officer was able to pick up a staff member from the Center for Coastal Studies in Provincetown and with their expertise was finally able to free the turtle safely and have him on his way in the water without further incident.

It was definitely lucky for that particular leatherback turtle that the MEP was there to help. However if you happen to come across an animal in distress in the water you can contact them as well.

24 hours a day, 7 days a week the Massachusetts Environment Police can be reached at 1-800-632-8075.