Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe POMPANO BEACH, Fla., April 25 (UPI) -- Firefighters in Florida responding to a call about a whale at a beach said they instead discovered a 400-pound leatherback sea turtle. Pompano Beach Fire Rescue said dispatchers received a call Tuesday about a large animal believed to be a while in the water at Southeast Eighth Street and firefighters arrived to discover the massive turtle swimming in the water, WPLG-TV, Miami, Fla., reported Wednesday. Advertisement Witnesses said the turtle climbed onto the shore and buried 40 to 50 eggs about 4 feet deep in the sand before returning to the water. Fire rescue officials said the area was cordoned off to protect the turtle's offspring. Read More All-white killer whale seen off Russia Tangled whale vanishes overnight Global effort to save turtles launched App can save whales from ship collisions Protected areas helping sea turtles Study identifies threats to marine turtles Bill would make turtle California symbol