A creature worthy of a science fiction film.
Native to the swamps and rivers of the southern United States, an alligator snapping turtle was spotted by a man walking his dog around Urswick Tarn Lake in northern England.
When he returned home, he posted his photo on Facebook asking people to help him identify the strange creature.
Denise Chamberlain, a parish councilor from the town of Urswick who breeds turtles and has lived in Florida, immediately recognized this carnivorous species which can weigh up to more than 80 kg, also known as Macrochelys temminckii.
It is the largest species of freshwater turtle in the world and can, thanks to its extremely powerful jaw, tear off a human finger.
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Although "Fluffy" has not yet reached adulthood, she can still deliver a "mean bite", she told the Guardian.
“These turtles have a natural defense mechanism: when you approach them, they open their mouths,” explains this turtle enthusiast.
She eats everything she finds in her path.
This species being considered invasive due to the damage it can cause in what is not its natural habitat, the parish councilor then decides to take her courage in both hands.
She sinks knee-deep in the muddy water of the lake and catches it herself with “safety gloves”.
A successful operation, although the reptile did not fail to open its mouth wide to show him its large jaw, she specifies.
After examining the reptile “very carefully” at home to check its health, Denise Chamberlain gave it raw chicken before taking it to the vet.
Clinic owner and veterinarian Dr. Kate Hornby admitted it was the first time she had received this species at her clinic.
I'm hoping you've all enjoyed seeing 'Fluffy' on the news.
He's generated a bit of a media storm 😂 we've had people from...
Posted by Wild Side Vets on Saturday February 10, 2024
An “extremely surprising” discovery for Dr Dominic Moule, who told the BBC that he was “sure” that the creature “would have eaten everything in the water” if it had been left in the lake.
While it is not illegal to own an alligator snapping turtle in the UK, veterinarians strongly advise against it.
Treated for several days in the veterinary clinic, “Fluffy” has just been sent to a specialized center for reptiles.