An invasive alligator snapping turtle was found in Urswick Tarn in Cumbria by a dog walker. The turtle, named Fluffy, is native to the southern parts of the US and is known for its “nasty bite”. Parish councillor Denise Chamberlain rescued the turtle with the help of residents and took it to a vet. It is believed that someone may have bought the turtle as a pet and then realized they could not care for it properly. While it is not illegal to own an alligator snapping turtle, vets do not recommend keeping them as pets due to their complicated needs. The turtle is currently being cared for by a veterinary center before being rehomed in a zoo or sent to a private keeper.
Ms Chamberlain, who has lived in Florida, recognized the turtle species when she saw a social media post about it. She was able to safely catch the turtle using three pairs of gloves and a shopping basket. Dr Dominic Moule, a veterinary surgeon, described the discovery as “extremely surprising” and noted that the turtle could cause damage as it grows. He also mentioned that the turtle would be a threat to the local environment because it would eat anything it could find in the water.
The turtle is currently being cared for by the veterinary center before it is rehomed in a zoo or sent to a private keeper. The discovery of this invasive species highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership and the potential dangers of releasing non-native animals into the wild.
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