OUTER BANKS, N.C. — Sea turtle nest excavations are underway at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, and a turtle with a unique appearance is among the newest hatchlings. 

Less than two weeks ago, the first sea turtle nest hatched on the seashore, and more nests have hatched since. 

A live loggerhead sea turtle was found at the bottom of the nest chamber during a July 27 nest excavation. The turtle was leucistic, park officials say, which means it has some pigmentation, and its eyes are often normal in coloration.

"This genetic deviation is rare since we typically only see a few per year," park officials said. 

Park officials say the turtle was released and crawled into the Atlantic Ocean.