Rare two-headed turtle discovered at US beach

A rare two-headed turtle has been found on a US beach.

The two-headed spotted turtle hatchling was discovered on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina on Wednesday.

Not-for-profit organisation Sea Turtle patrol posted photos of the rare creature on their Facebook page.

While this type of mutation is common in reptiles, the group were too excited by the find not to share.

"We thought we had seen it all during this very busy season on Sea Turtle Patrol!" the Facebook post read.

"Yesterday on patrol during a nest inventory this bicephalic hatchling was discovered."

The group were conducting an inventory of turtles at the location when they discovered the duo who they nicknamed Squirt and Crush.

While hatching season is well underway at the location, visitors are urged to respect the natural habitat and avoid taking photos with a flash as artificial light from cameras and smartphones can be harmful to the hatchlings.

Squirt and Crush were released back into the wild after the group catalogued them.