State wildlife officers are asking the public for help finding those who butchered an endangered leatherback sea turtle in Jennings State Forest.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission investigators said the turtle's carcass turned up near the intersection of state Road 217 and Longbranch Road in Clay County on Jan. 17. They believe the carcass had been there since late December or early January.

FWC investigators are evaluating forensic evidence from the scene, but said they would like to hear from anyone who may know about the dead sea turtle or how it wound up in the forest.

Leatherback sea turtles are named for their rubbery shells and are the largest sea turtles. Adults can weigh between 700 and 2,000 pounds and reach 4 to 8 feet in length.

Last year 783 leatherback nests were counted on Florida's beaches. Nesting season runs from March to July.

Killing an endangered species is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine.

People may call the FWC's Wildlife Alert hot line toll free at (888) 404-3922. Callers can remain anonymous and are eligible for a cash reward if the information leads to an arrest and conviction. Reports can also be made online.