A woman walking her dog makes a surprising discovery in a Cumbrian lake – shocked to find out the true identity of the creature.
Residents in Cumbria, England were taken aback when they stumbled upon a spiky, dinosaur-like being in a small water body near their homes.
Dubbed Fluffy by those who rescued it, this tough-shelled creature, despite its misleading name, hails from overseas and boasts a “nasty bite” capable of severing a finger in a single snap.
Continue reading to understand the significant threat posed by this prehistoric being to a small lake in Cumbria, England.
In the past week, a dog and its owner were leisurely walking along the shores of Urswick Tarns – an area rich in limestone known for its diverse plant and animal life. It was there that they encountered a dinosaur-like entity, adorned with spiky armor covering its back.
Perplexed by the unfamiliar sight, the individual took a photograph of the peculiar creature and shared it on social media in hopes of gaining insight.
The post caught the attention of Denise Chamberlain, a council member in Urswick, who had previously worked in Florida and immediately recognized the carnivorous creature, known for its “nasty nip.
In an interview with PA Media, Chamberlain remarked, “I looked at it and immediately thought, ‘oh goodness, I know what you are.’” Identifying the animal as a juvenile alligator snapping turtle, she added, “These turtles have a natural defense mechanism: when you go near them, they open their mouth.
Chamberlain then embarked on a rescue mission to safely retrieve the turtle, likely abandoned by an owner unwilling to care for the formidable creature with powerful jaws capable of easily snapping through bones.
These dinosaur-like turtles, commonly found in swamps and rivers across the southern U.S. and in Central and South America, can reach weights of up to 200 lbs and live for over a century.
“These species are invasive, they’re non-native, and I knew it was going to upset the ecology of the tarn, which is very finely balanced,” she expressed concern. The turtle, having no natural predators, could wreak havoc on the lake’s wildlife and upset the delicate balance. “That type of creature, while it’s not going to breed, could do some real damage to the fish stocks and eat all sorts of local wildlife.
The rescue mission involved Chamberlain approaching the turtle with extreme caution, equipped with safety gloves and a shopping basket to transport it to a new home. The turtle, resembling a prehistoric dinosaur, was captured successfully, albeit not without a warning snap of its powerful jaws.
After a meal of raw chicken, Chamberlain transported the turtle to Wild Side Vets in Barrow-in-Furness. Dr. Kate Hornby, the clinic owner and veterinarian, stated that while the creature could deliver a painful bite, it posed no significant danger at its current size.
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
Wild Side Vets encourages responsible pet ownership, emphasizing that the turtle had likely been abandoned at the tarn. They urge people facing difficulties in caring for their reptiles to seek help rather than abandoning them in suboptimal conditions.
Referring to the turtle as “Fluffy” for the time being, the vet mentioned that its gender remains unidentified due to its size. The turtle will be relocated to a wildlife center in Cornwall, providing more suitable conditions for its well-being.
Locals have expressed their appreciation on social media for Fluffy and the rescuers, with many commending the successful intervention and expressing admiration for the unique creature.
As Fluffy prepares for relocation, this incident serves as a reminder for prospective pet owners to exercise caution and diligence, considering the long-term implications of caring for animals that may not stay small forever. Share this story to spread awareness and gather opinions on this fascinating creature!
