Alligator Snapping Turtle Found in Northern England
An alligator snapping turtle, native to the southern United States, was recently discovered in a lake in northern England. This unusual sighting has captured the attention of locals and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
The turtle, affectionately named Fluffy by its rescuers, bears a striking resemblance to a dinosaur with its spiky appearance. The name Fluffy is a nod to the three-headed dog in the popular Harry Potter book series.
The discovery of Fluffy was made by a dog walker who spotted the creature bathing in Urswick Tarn, a small lake in Cumbria. Intrigued by the unusual sighting, the dog walker shared the news on Facebook, which quickly gained attention from the local community and media.
Denise Chamberlain, a local parish councillor, recognized the species as an alligator snapping turtle. Having encountered these turtles in the wild during her visits to Florida, where they inhabit swamps and rivers, she was familiar with their distinctive features and behavior.
With her experience as a reptile owner, Ms. Chamberlain took matters into her own hands. Armed with a shopping basket and wearing three pairs of gloves for protection, she carefully retrieved Fluffy from the lake. Concerned for the turtle’s well-being, she promptly transported it to a nearby vet clinic.
Fluffy’s unexpected journey from the southern United States to northern England has raised questions about how it ended up in Urswick Tarn. It is believed that the turtle may have been released or escaped from captivity.
Following its rescue, Fluffy will be transferred to a specialist reptile center, where it will receive the necessary care and attention to ensure its recovery. This will allow experts to assess its health and determine the most suitable course of action for its future.
This remarkable incident serves as a reminder of the diverse and sometimes unexpected wildlife that can be found in our surroundings. It also highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership and the potential consequences of releasing non-native species into unfamiliar environments.
If you’re interested in learning more about alligator snapping turtles or other fascinating creatures, please visit our site 60time.com. For updates on Fluffy’s journey and other wildlife news, don’t forget to follow us on social media, such as Instagram (@60time.com) or Facebook (@60time.com).
The Alligator Snapping Turtle, native to the United States, was discovered thousands of kilometers away from its natural habitat in England. (Supplied: Wild Side Vets)
While retrieving the turtle, the rescuer took precautions by wearing three pairs of gloves due to the creature’s powerful jaws that can easily snap bones. (Supplied: Wild Side Vets)
Expressing her concerns, the rescuer stated, “I was anxious on two levels. One, was actually catching it without losing a finger, but also, what was I going to do with it?” (Supplied: Wild Side Vets)
Although owning an Alligator Snapping Turtle is not illegal in the UK, they are not recommended as pets due to their complex needs. (Supplied: Wild Side Vets)
The owner of the clinic that took in the turtle, Kate Hornby, believes that the animal was abandoned at the lake by owners who were unable to meet its care requirements. (Supplied: Wild Side Vets)
Dr. Hornby emphasized the importance of thorough research and appropriate housing for keeping such species as pets. (Supplied: Wild Side Vets)
This incident marks the first encounter of the clinic with an Alligator Snapping Turtle, as they are not commonly seen at veterinary clinics in the UK. (Supplied: Wild Side Vets)
The estimated age of the turtle is between five to six years, although its gender remains unidentified due to its size. For now, it is being referred to as “Fluffy.” (Supplied: Wild Side Vets)
While the turtle can deliver a painful bite and cause significant damage to fingers, it is not particularly dangerous at its current size. (Supplied: Wild Side Vets)
According to Dr. Dom Moule from Wild Side Vets, Alligator Snapping Turtles typically sit in shallow waters with their mouths open, using a red part inside their mouths to attract fish. (Supplied: Wild Side Vets)
Fluffy, being young, is expected to grow exponentially and reach a weight of 80 kilograms. (Supplied: Wild Side Vets)
On Monday, Fluffy will be relocated to a specialized reptile center. (Supplied: Wild Side Vets)
Alligator Snapping Turtles are the largest freshwater turtles in the United States and have a lifespan of up to 70 years. (Supplied: Wild Side Vets)
Please visit our site 60time.com for more information about Alligator Snapping Turtles in England. Don’t forget to follow us on social media, such as Instagram (@60time.com) and Facebook (@60time.com), for regular updates and interesting content.
