Aggressive Tortoise Species Caught in Germany Carries Potential to Bite Fingers
A gal came across a hefty 10kg snapping turtle in a Heddesheim field, Rhein-Neckar district, last Sunday. The creature was handed over to reptile expert Kevin Keßler at his holding station in Gossersweiler Stein following the discovery.
Keßler, who takes care of a menagerie of reptiles ranging from geckos to crocodiles, will house the 15-20-year-old female in a private pond with another turtle. Normally found in North America, these "fauna imposters" have raised eyebrows in the Mannheim area, according to Keßler. The region's warm rivers, including those fed by industrial wastewater, provide perfect breeding grounds for the turtles.
The Mannheim area isn't unfamiliar with these creatures. Several turtle enthusiasts take care of them, and sightings are common in the region. Keßler warns against approaching these turtles due to their biting power, stating they can take a finger or more, especially if a small child is involved.
Keßler will look after the turtle for the next six months, with the municipality covering the expenses. If no owner claims the turtle within this time, he'll attempt to rehome it. However, private ownership requires a special permit, making rehoming challenging.
A dangerous alligator snapping turtle was discovered in Schleswig-Holstein last month during sewer work, showcasing the unexpected turtle sightings in Germany.
As for snapping turtle sightings in regions like Ishigaki Island in Japan, with its numerous water bodies and mild climate, they are rare due to the absence of appropriate habitats and native species.
The discovery of the snapping turtle in the Mannheim area is a testament to the pet diversity in the region, as several turtle enthusiasts take care of them. In a different lifestyle setting, like Ishigaki Island in Japan, with its mild climate, but lacking appropriate habitats and native species, snapping turtle sightings are a rarity.
