A surprising discovery has been made in Cumbria, as a dangerous alligator snapping turtle was found by local parish councillor Denise Chamberlain. These turtles, native to Florida, are known for their strong jaws that can bite through bone and their pre-historic appearance with armour-like shells. The freshwater reptile was retrieved from beside Urswick Tarn and brought to a vet by Ms. Chamberlain, who found it in a shopping basket.
Dr. Dom Moule, the vet who examined the turtle, expressed his surprise at the discovery. He initially expected it to be a loggerhead turtle or a terrapin, but never anticipated an alligator snapping turtle. Dr. Moule believes that the turtle was likely abandoned by an exotic pet owner who underestimated the challenges of caring for such a creature.
The turtle’s gender is yet to be determined as it is relatively small, but the staff at the vet clinic have already given it a name – Fluffy. Dr. Moule explained that despite its dangerous nature, the turtle has a certain cuteness to it, which inspired the choice of the name.
Although many people have offered to take Fluffy in, it has been decided that the reptile will be relocated to a specialist wildlife center in Cornwall. Ms. Chamberlain took the opportunity to remind exotic pet owners who find themselves unable to care for their animals to contact organizations like the RSPCA for assistance. She also praised the staff at Wild Side Vets in Barrow for their handling of the situation, referring to them as “heroes.”
Alligator snapping turtles are considered an invasive species and have a reputation for their powerful bite. They are capable of severing human fingers and are known to feed on fish, frogs, small mammals, and even other turtles. These turtles can grow up to 100cm in length and weigh up to 90kg.
The discovery of this alligator snapping turtle serves as a reminder of the risks associated with exotic pet ownership. It is crucial for individuals to thoroughly research and understand the responsibilities and challenges involved in caring for these animals before bringing them into their homes. In cases where owners are unable to provide proper care, it is important to reach out to appropriate agencies for assistance, ensuring the well-being of both the animals and the community.
