© Carl FranklinThe Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is investigating several occurrences of dead or dying turtles at locations around Texas. The department has documented about 60 deaths
Since Texas Parks and Wildlife staff first noticed the occurrences in November, they've documented about 60 deaths among four different species of freshwater turtles in Fort Worth, Houston and Jasper, department spokeswoman Aubry Buzek said.
The affected turtles have usually been found alone, either near the shore or out of the water, Stephanie Garcia, another department spokesperson, said. Those still alive are lethargic and seem reluctant to move or escape when approached. Their eyes appear to either be swollen or caked closed with exudate, she said. Testing has shown they are terminally septic, meaning their bodies are fighting severe infections that have spread through the bloodstream.
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Update: Albuquerque Journal reports: